SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1394
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 Senate Committee On:
Higher Education & Workforce Development, March 18, 2009
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: Representatives White, Kenney, Wallace, Orwall, Carlyle, Anderson, Sells, Chase and Sullivan; by request of Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board.
Brief History: Passed House: 3/03/09, 97-0.
Committee Activity: Higher Education & Workforce Development: 3/17/09, 3/18/09 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Kilmer, Chair; Jarrett, Vice Chair; Kastama, McAuliffe, Pflug, Shin and Stevens.
Staff: Aldo Melchiori (786-7439)
Background: The Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board (Workforce Board) is a Governor-appointed body representing a partnership of 12 members from business, labor, and government. The Workforce Board advises the Governor on workforce development policy, ensures that the state’s workforce preparation services and programs work together, and evaluates performance.
The Workforce Board 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 Governor every two years. State law does not require a specific time horizon for the plan. The plan submitted by the Workforce Board for 2008 is entitled High Skills, High Wages, and it is a ten-year plan for Washington's workforce development system.
Summary of Bill: The Workforce Board must develop state comprehensive plans for a ten-year time period. The Workforce Board must submit an update of the ten-year plan to the Legislature and Governor every four years. The first update is due on December 1, 2012.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This is a simple bill that aligns the planning periods of the Workforce Board and the Higher Education Coordinating Board. This will allow the Workforce Board to focus more on implementation of the plan.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Maddy Thompson, Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board; Amber Carter, Association of Washington Business.