Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
College & Workforce Development Committee
HB 1780
Brief Description: Concerning workforce education investment accountability and oversight board staffing changes.
Sponsors: Representatives Slatter and Chambers.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Changes the staffing of the Workforce Education Investment Accountability and Oversight (WEIAO) Board to the Washington Student Achievement Council and permits the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board to maintain the WEIAO Board data dashboard.
Hearing Date: 1/17/22
Staff: Megan Mulvihill (786-7304).
Background:

The Legislature passed Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2158 in 2019, known as the Workforce Education Investment Act (WEIA).  The WEIA established the Workforce Education Investment Account that is funded from an increase in the Business and Occupation Tax.  The Workforce Education Investment Account is solely for funding higher education expenses.  As a part of the WEIA, the Workforce Education Investment Accountability and Oversight (WEIAO) Board was established for two purposes:  

  • provide guidance and recommendations to the Legislature on what workforce education priorities should be funded from the Workforce Education Investment Account; and
  • ensure accountability that the investments funded from the Workforce Education Investment Account are producing the intended results and effectively increasing student success and career readiness. 

 

The WEIAO Board has 17 members, including legislators and representatives from businesses impacted by the tax, higher education, labor, and students.  The WEIAO Board is staffed by the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board (Workforce Board) and is required to meet four times a year. 
Summary of Bill:

The Student Achievement Council is tasked with staffing the WEIAO Board.  The Workforce Board must maintain the WEIAO Board's data dashboard on a public-facing portal. 
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 11, 2022.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.