AR HB1553

Creates the "Earn and Learn Act of 2021" as Arkansas Code Title 17, Chapter 4 to allow apprentices to earn paychecks while meeting occupational licensing requirements.

Requires licensing entities to grant licenses to applicants who complete a qualifying apprenticeship, pass any required examination, pay applicable fees, have no disqualifying criminal record, and meet all other non-training requirements.

Limits examination passing scores and fees for apprenticeship applicants to not exceed those required under standard licensing processes; eliminates examination and fee requirements if not required for standard licensure.

Excludes from requirements licensing entities without established apprenticeship programs under federal guidelines (29 C.F.R. Part 29 as of March 1, 2021) and licenses requiring a bachelor's degree or higher education.

Effective January 1, 2022; requires all licensing entities to promulgate implementing rules by that date, with proposed rules to be filed with the Legislative Council for approval.