A legislative panel on Wednesday advanced the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs' plan to make current and newly hired employees in full-time maintenance positions at the state's veterans homes and veterans cemeteries eligible for one-time $3,000 bonuses.

The incentive program is designed to reduce reliance on temporary staffing agencies and help with recruiting and retention of employees, according to the Veterans Affairs Department's proposal.

The Legislative Council's personnel subcommittee on Wednesday recommended the full council approve the proposal when it meets on Friday.

Under the proposal, current and newly hired full-time maintenance employees at a state veterans home or veterans cemetery would be eligible for a one-time award. The eligible positions include maintenance coordinators, maintenance supervisors, maintenance technicians and maintenance specialists.