TO TRANSFER THE HEALTHY EMPLOYEE LIFESTYLE PROGRAM FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSFORMATION AND SHARED SERVICES; AND TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE HEALTHY LIFESTYLE PROGRAM.

SB 344 transfers Arkansas's Healthy Employee Lifestyle Program from the Department of Health to the Department of Transformation and Shared Services, effective as of April 7, 2025 (now Act 444). The program, which rewards state employees for healthy habits like exercise and nutrition, will now be managed by the new department, including all administrative functions, records, personnel, and funding. State agencies must make the program available to employees by July 1, 2026, and may grant up to three days of paid leave annually for participation. This transfer does not affect existing program rules or standards.