Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Higher Education Committee

HB 2463

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.

Brief Description: Modifying the adoption provisions on the state comprehensive plan for workforce training and education.

Sponsors: Representative Sells.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Provides that the Legislature may, but is not required to, approve of or recommend changes to the Workforce Board’s comprehensive plan by concurrent resolution.

Hearing Date: 1/16/18

Staff: Trudes Tango (786-7384).

Background:

The Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board (Workforce Board) advises the Governor on workforce development policy, ensures that the state's workforce training and preparation services and programs work together, and evaluates performance.

The Workforce Board is required to develop and maintain a 10-year state comprehensive strategic plan for workforce training and education.  The plan must establish goals, objectives, and priorities for the state training system.  The comprehensive plan serves as the roadmap for the workforce development system. The Workforce Board must report each year to the appropriate committees of the Legislature its progress in implementing the comprehensive plan.

Every four years, the Workforce Board must provide the Legislature and the Governor with an update of the plan.  The Legislature, after public hearings, must approve or recommend changes to the plan by way of a concurrent resolution.  Once approved, the plan becomes the state's workforce training policy unless legislation is enacted to alter the policies set forth in the plan.

Summary of Bill:

The Legislature may, but is not required to, approve of or recommend changes to the Workforce Board’s comprehensive plan by concurrent resolution.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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