READ FIRST TIME 02/06/09.   

     AN ACT Relating to lifelong learning accounts; adding new sections to chapter 28C.18 RCW; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   Lifelong learning accounts are portable employee-owned and employer-matched savings accounts dedicated to covering the cost of tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment for working adults seeking education and training to improve their position in the workforce. The legislature finds that lifelong learning accounts allow employers and workers to coinvest in their futures. The legislature further finds that, combined with free career advising, lifelong learning accounts can make a significant difference in the lives of workers and their families, as well as for employers in need of well-trained workers. The legislature intends to facilitate the creating of lifelong learning accounts for workers in the state of Washington.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 28C.18 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The board shall establish a state lifelong learning account steering committee. The steering committee shall consist of representatives from: (a) The association of Washington business; (b) the higher education coordinating board; (c) the state board for community and technical colleges; (d) the department of community, trade, and economic development; (e) the Washington state hospital association; (f) the Northwest career colleges federation; (g) the Pacific mountain workforce development council; (h) the state and regional AFL-CIO and SEIU; and (i) other business and labor representatives.
     (2) The steering committee shall: (a) Develop a policy framework to establish a statewide lifelong learning account program; (b) identify technical and budget issues along with recommendations on how to resolve them; (c) study methods for continuing outreach to workers, employers, and foundations, willing to participate in and fund lifelong learning accounts; (d) explore career advising options including online tools; and (e) design a performance accountability system.
     (3) The steering committee shall receive staff and logistical support from the board.
     (4) The steering committee shall report to the appropriate committees of the legislature by September 1, 2010, and every two years thereafter, regarding the numbers and characteristics of participating workers and employers, the status of outreach efforts, and other appropriate performance outcome measures identified by the steering committee.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   A new section is added to chapter 28C.18 RCW to read as follows:
     The board may solicit, accept, receive, and administer federal funds or private funds, in trust or otherwise, and contract with foundations or with for-profit or nonprofit organizations to support the establishment of the state lifelong learning account program.