TO ENCOURAGE THE AWARD OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT FUNDING TO NEW BUSINESSES AND BUSINESSES THAT HAVE BEEN IN OPERATION FOR LESS THAN FIVE YEARS.

HB 1373 would require Arkansas' Department of Commerce to encourage at least 5% of workforce development funding - allocated through state boards - to support new businesses (starting in Arkansas) or businesses operating less than five years. This policy change would directly affect small businesses and startups seeking workforce training resources. The bill, which was introduced in 2025 but withdrawn by its author on February 11, 2025, does not create new funding but redirects existing resources. It was intended to take effect January 1, 2027, if passed.