TO REPEAL THE STATUTES CONCERNING THE OCCUPATIONAL AUTHORIZATION AND LICENSURE OF CERTAIN EMPLOYMENT OFFICES AND AGENCIES; AND TO REPEAL THE ARKANSAS PRIVATE EMPLOYMENT AGENCY ACT OF 1975.

SB 278 repeals all licensing and regulatory requirements for employment agencies, agency managers, and employment counselors in Arkansas, ending the 1975 Arkansas Private Employment Agency Act. It removes state mandates for licenses, fee reporting, inspections, and enforcement powers previously held by the Division of Labor under Chapter 11 of Arkansas Code Title 11. This directly affects employment agencies that place workers, their managers, and counselors who previously needed state authorization to operate. The bill eliminates all specific rules governing these businesses, including definitions, penalties, and director oversight.