HB1742 Summary

• Transfers administration of the Transitional Employment Assistance Program and Arkansas Work Pays Program from the Department of Commerce to the Department of Human Services, effective July 1, 2023.

• Maintains all existing statutory authority, powers, duties, functions, records, personnel, property, contracts, and unexpended appropriations of both programs during the transfer.

• Updates multiple Arkansas Code sections to reflect the Department of Human Services as the administering agency instead of the Division of Workforce Services throughout workforce development statutes.

• Declares an emergency effective July 1, 2023, to ensure continuity of vital services to needy families and coordinate with appropriation bills of both departments during the transition.

• Continues all existing program provisions including work requirements, time limits, support services, drug testing protocols, and payment structures under the new departmental administration.