Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Higher Education Committee |
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. |
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 Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/15/17
Staff: Trudes Tango (786-7384).
Background:
The federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA) was enacted in 1998 to reform job training programs, create a comprehensive workforce investment system, and establish the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act. The WIA established local Workforce Investment Boards (WIB) to direct activities for the local workforce investment system.
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) was enacted in 2014, with some provisions taking effect in 2016. The WIOA supersedes the WIA and amends the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act, the Wagner-Peyser Act of 1933, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
The WIOA reforms the public workforce system by consolidating job training programs under a single umbrella. Services for unemployed adults, dislocated workers, low-income youth, limited English proficient individuals, those with low literacy skills, and individuals with disabilities seeking vocational rehabilitation are prioritized under WIOA. The WIOA changes the name of the WIB to Workforce Development Boards.
Summary of Bill:
Statutory references to the Workforce Investment Act are changed to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. References to the Workforce Investment Board are changed to Workforce Development Board and references to public laws are updated to reflect the new citations.
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.