HOUSE BILL REPORT

SB 5316

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Reported by House Committee On:

Higher Education

Title: An act relating to changing the timeline for the state comprehensive plan for workforce training and education.

Brief Description: Changing the timeline for the state comprehensive plan for workforce training and education.

Sponsors: Senators Jarrett, Kilmer, Delvin, Kastama, Jacobsen, Shin and Pflug; by request of Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Higher Education: 3/24/09 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Requires the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board to update the statewide comprehensive workforce training plan every four years.

  • Requires the comprehensive plan to cover a 10-year time period.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 11 members: Representatives Wallace, Chair; Sells, Vice Chair; Anderson, Ranking Minority Member; Schmick, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Angel, Carlyle, Driscoll, Grant-Herriot, Haler, Hasegawa and White.

Staff: Andi Smith (786-7304)

Background:

The Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board (WTECB) is a Governor-appointed body representing a partnership of 12 members from business, labor, and government. The WTECB advises the Governor on workforce development policy, ensures that the state’s workforce preparation services and programs work together, and evaluates performance.

The WTECB is charged with developing and maintaining a state comprehensive plan for workforce training and education. Under current law, an updated plan is submitted to the Legislature and the Governor every two years. State law does not require a specific time horizon for the plan. The plan submitted by the WTECB for 2008 is entitled High Skills, High Wages, and it is a 10-year plan for Washington's workforce development system.

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Summary of Bill:

The WTECB must develop state comprehensive plans for a 10-year time period. The WTECB must submit an update of the 10-year plan to the Legislature and the Governor every four years. The first update is due on December 1, 2012.

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Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This is agency request legislation from the WTECB that ensures that the WTECB plans on a 10-year horizon and creates a vision for workforce training and development. The committee has seen the most recent plan; we do measure progress and report results. The legislation does not change that requirement and we will continue to report results to you. The Association of Washington Business supports the bill as it provides more time to implement the plan rather than write the plan.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Amber Carter, Association of Washington Business; and Madeleine Thompson, Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.