SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5237

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 of February 2, 2017

Title: An act relating to updating workforce investment act references and making no substantive changes.

Brief Description: Updating workforce investment act references and making no substantive changes.

Sponsors: Senators Bailey, Wilson, Chase, Rivers, Keiser, Rolfes, Zeiger and Kuderer; by request of Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Higher Education: 1/26/17.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Changes statutory references from Workforce Investment Act (WIA) to Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Staff: Evan Klein (786-7483)

Background: The WIA of 1998 was a federal law that provided workforce investment activities, through statewide and local workforce investment systems, that sought to increase the employment, retention, and earnings of participants and increase occupational skill attainment by participants.

The WIOA was enacted in July of 2014. WIOA is designed to help job seekers access employment, education, training and support services to succeed in the labor market. WIOA replaces WIA and retains and amends the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act, the Wagner-Peyser Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Summary of Bill: References in statute to the Workforce Investment Act are changed to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to reflect federal law. A reference to workforce investment is changed to workforce development. References to local workforce investment boards are changed to local workforce development boards.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This is a very simple bill, which updates statutory references and definitions. This is a requirement of the federal workforce plan.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Barbara Bailey, Prime Sponsor; Nova Gattman, Workforce Board.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.