Bill Text: CT HB05590 | 2017 | General Assembly | Chaptered
Bill Title: An Act Concerning The Workforce Development System In The State Of Connecticut.
Spectrum: Committee Bill
Status: (Passed) 2017-07-11 - Signed by the Governor [HB05590 Detail]
Download: Connecticut-2017-HB05590-Chaptered.html
AN ACT CONCERNING THE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM IN THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly convened:
Section 1. (NEW) (Effective from passage) On or before October 1, 2017, the Labor Commissioner may establish a working group to review business support services in the state. Such working group may consist of one business services representative from each of the following agencies: (1) The Labor Department, (2) the Department of Economic and Community Development, and (3) the Workforce Development Board. Such working group may review business support services offered by such agencies and consider ways to better coordinate such services to benefit businesses in the state, including, but not limited to, the development of (A) a shared database of business support services, and (B) shared marketing materials. The Labor Commissioner may make recommendations for legislation to the Governor and the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to labor and public employees, commerce and higher education and employment advancement.
Sec. 2. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2017) (a) The Labor Commissioner shall develop and implement a universal intake form to be completed by each person entering any American Job Center or Workforce Development Board facility. Such form shall request information from each such person as said commissioner deems necessary in order to report to the General Assembly in accordance with subsection (b) of this section.
(b) On or before December 1, 2017, and annually thereafter, the Labor Commissioner shall report to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to labor and public employees, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a of the general statutes, the following: (1) The number of persons utilizing the job training programs and services provided by each American Job Center or Workforce Development Board facility, (2) the number of persons who obtained jobs subsequent to utilizing such job training programs and services, (3) the categorization of job skills indicated on the universal intake form and the number of persons with each of such skills, (4) a determination of the job skills necessary for employment in the state, (5) the number of persons in various directed pathways, (6) the average wage or salary of the positions of persons who obtain jobs subsequent to utilizing such job training programs and services, and (7) the industry sectors in which such persons obtain jobs subsequent to utilizing such job training programs and services.
Sec. 3. (NEW) (Effective July 1, 2017) (a) For purposes of this section, "soft skills" means character traits and interpersonal skills, such as social skills, communication skills and attitudes, that characterize a person's relationship with other people and do not rely on acquired knowledge or technical skills.
(b) Not later than October 1, 2017, the Labor Commissioner shall prepare and issue a request for proposals for the development and implementation of a soft skills program. The request for proposals shall require each person, firm or corporation submitting a proposal to (1) demonstrate coordination with an emerging industry partner in the state in developing a soft skills curriculum, and (2) provide any other information deemed necessary by the commissioner.
Sec. 4. (NEW) (Effective from passage) (a) As used in this section:
(1) "Connecticut Preschool through Twenty and Workforce Information Network" or "CP20 WIN" means the Preschool through Twenty and Workforce Information Network maintained in the state.
(2) "Data definitions" means the plain language descriptions of data elements.
(3) "Data dictionary" means a listing of the names of a set of data elements, their definitions and additional meta-data that does not contain any actual data, but provides information about the data in a data set.
(4) "Data elements" mean units of information that are stored or accessed in any data system, such as a student identification number, course code or cumulative grade point average.
(5) "Meta-data" means the information about a data element that provides context for that data element, such as its definition, storage location, format and size.
(6) "Participating agency" means the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, Department of Education, Labor Department, The Office of Early Childhood, The University of Connecticut, the Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges or any entity that has executed a memorandum of agreement for participation in the CP20 WIN and has been approved for participation by all other participating agencies.
(7) "Preschool through Twenty and Workforce Information Network" or "P20 WIN" means a state data system for the purpose of matching and linking longitudinally data of state agencies and other organizations for the purpose of conducting audits and evaluations of federal and state education programs.
(8) "P20 WIN Data Request Management Procedure" means the document containing the data request management process.
(b) There is established a Connecticut Preschool through Twenty and Workforce Information Network. The purpose of the CP20 WIN is to establish processes and structures governing the secure sharing of critical longitudinal data across participating agencies through implementation of the standards and policies of the Preschool through Twenty and Workforce Information Network.
(c) The CP20 WIN shall be governed by an executive board that shall provide oversight of such network. Said executive board shall consist of the following members: The Labor Commissioner, or said commissioner's designee, the Commissioner of Education, or said commissioner's designee, the Commissioner of Early Childhood, or said commissioner's designee, the president of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, or the president's designee, the president of The University of Connecticut, or the president's designee, the chairperson of the board of the Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges, or a designee of said board, and the secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, or the secretary's designee. The duties of the executive board shall be to:
(1) Advance a vision for the CP20 WIN including a prioritized research agenda with support from the Planning Commission for Higher Education.
(2) Convene as needed to respond to issues from the data governing board.
(3) Identify and work to secure resources necessary to sustain CP20 WIN funding.
(4) Support system implementation, maintenance and improvement by advocating for the CP20 WIN in regard to policy, legislation and resources.
(5) Advocate and support the state's vision for the CP20 WIN.
(6) Have overall fiscal and policy responsibility for the CP20 WIN.
(7) Ensure that, in any circumstances in which public funds or resources are to be jointly utilized with those from private entities, such arrangements are governed by appropriate agreements approved by the Attorney General.
(8) Establish a data governing board to establish and enforce policies related to cross-agency data management, including, but not limited to, data confidentiality and security in alignment with the vision for CP20 WIN and any applicable law. In establishing such policies, the data governing board shall consult with the Office of Policy and Management, in accordance with the provisions of section 4-67n of the general statutes and other applicable statutes and policies.
(d) The executive board established pursuant to this section may appoint advisory committees to make recommendations on data stewardship, data system expansion and processes, and such other areas that will advance the work of CP20 WIN.
Sec. 5. Section 31-11ff of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective from passage):
(a) For purposes of this section:
[(1) "Contextualized learning" means education in a learning environment chosen or designed by educators to incorporate as many different forms of experience as possible, including social, cultural, physical and psychological experiences, to achieve the desired learning outcomes; ]
[(2)] (1) "Early college high school" means a school in which persons who are underrepresented in higher education, including, but not limited to, low-income youth, first-generation college students, English language learners and minority students, may simultaneously earn, tuition free, a high school diploma and an associate degree or up to two years of credit toward a bachelor's degree; [and]
[(3)] (2) "Middle college program" means a collaboration between a school district's high schools and a regional-community technical college or a four-year college or university where a student may (A) take core high school courses or courses for which college or university-level credit may be given, and (B) attribute all such credits earned toward a program of higher learning at an institution of higher education in which such student enrolls upon graduation from the middle college program; and
(3) "Connecticut Early College Opportunity program" or "CT-ECO" means a collaboration between a school district's high schools, a local community college and a company or business entity where a student may earn an industry-recognized, two-year postsecondary degree in addition to a high school diploma.
(b) The Connecticut Employment and Training Commission shall develop, in collaboration with the Connecticut state colleges and universities, Department of Education, and regional work force development boards established pursuant to section 31-3j, a state-wide plan for implementing, expanding or improving upon [contextualized learning programs,] career certificate programs established under section 10-20a, middle college programs, [and] early college high school programs and Connecticut Early College Opportunity programs to provide education, training and placement in jobs available in the manufacturing, health care, construction, [and] green, science, technology, engineering and mathematics industries and other emerging sectors of the state's economy. Such plan shall include a proposal to fund such programs.
(c) (1) Not later than January 1, [2015] 2018, the Connecticut Employment and Training Commission shall report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a, on the plan developed under subsection (b) of this section, to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to higher education and employment advancement.
(2) Not later than September 1, [2015] 2018, and annually thereafter, said commission shall report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a, on the status of [such] programs included in the plan developed under subsection (b) of this section to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to higher education and employment advancement.
Sec. 6. Section 10a-1b of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2017):
(a) The Board of Regents for Higher Education shall appoint a president of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities who shall serve at the pleasure of the board. The president of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities shall (1) have the authority to implement the policies, directives and rules of the board and any additional responsibilities as the board may prescribe, (2) implement the goals identified in section 10a-11c and recommendations made pursuant to section 10a-11b, (3) build interdependent support among the Connecticut State University System, the regional community-technical college system and Charter Oak State College, (4) balance central authority with institutional differentiation, autonomy and creativity, and (5) facilitate cooperation and synergy among the Connecticut State University System, the regional community-technical college system and Charter Oak State College. The president may designate an alternate to serve as a member of any commission, foundation or committee upon which the general statutes require the president to serve. Such designee may vote on behalf of the president. There shall be an executive staff responsible for the operation of the Board of Regents for Higher Education. The executive staff shall be under the direction of the president of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, who shall be the chief executive officer of the Board of Regents for Higher Education.
(b) The president may employ staff as is deemed necessary, including, but not limited to, temporary assistants and consultants. The board shall establish terms and conditions of employment of the president and the board's staff, prescribe their duties and fix the compensation of the president and the board's professional and technical personnel.
(c) Upon recommendation of the president, the Board of Regents for Higher Education shall appoint two vice-presidents. One vice-president shall represent the Connecticut State University System and the other vice-president shall represent the regional community-technical college system. Each vice-president shall perform such duties and responsibilities as the board and president shall prescribe, so that each said constituent unit fulfills its mission. Such duties shall include, but not be limited to, oversight of academic programs, student support services and institutional support.
(d) Not later than October 1, 2017, the president of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities shall establish the position of outreach coordinator within the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system. Such outreach coordinator shall act as a liaison between institutions within the system and businesses in the state to develop workforce education and job training opportunities including Early College Opportunity programs. Such position may be full time or part time and may be held by an individual who also holds another position within said system as part of such individual's regular duties and without additional compensation.
Sec. 7. (NEW) (Effective from passage) As used in this section and sections 8 and 9 of this act:
(1) "Administrative costs" means the costs paid or incurred by the administrator, including, but not limited to, peer review costs, professional fees, allocated staff costs and other out-of-pocket costs attributable to the administration and operation of the Workforce Training Authority Fund;
(2) "Administrator" means the Department of Labor;
(3) "Board" means the Workforce Training Authority established pursuant to section 8 of this act; and
(4) "Eligible recipient" means a business entity, including, but not limited to, those businesses in the bioscience, insurance, financial services, advanced manufacturing, digital media, green technology and tourism industry sectors.
Sec. 8. (NEW) (Effective from passage) (a) There is established a Workforce Training Authority that shall consist of the following members: (1) Four appointed by the Governor; (2) one appointed by the president pro tempore of the Senate; (3) one appointed by the Senate Republican president pro tempore; (4) one appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives; (5) one appointed by the majority leader of the Senate; (6) one appointed by the majority leader of the House of Representatives; (7) one appointed by the minority leader of the Senate; (8) one appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives; (9) the Labor Commissioner, or the commissioner's designee, who shall serve as the chairperson of the board; (10) the Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development, or the commissioner's designee; (11) the president of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, or the president's designee; (12) the president of The University of Connecticut, or the president's designee; and (13) the Commissioner of Correction, or the commissioner's designee. Each legislatively appointed member shall have skill, knowledge or experience in industries and sciences related to insurance, financial services, bioscience, advance manufacturing, digital media, green technology, and tourism. All initial appointments to the board pursuant to this subsection shall be made not later than October 1, 2017. Appointed members shall each serve a term that is coterminous with the respective appointing authority. Each member shall hold office until a successor is appointed. Any vacancy occurring on the board, other than by expiration of term, shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment for the balance of the unexpired term.
(b) The chairperson shall call the first meeting of the board not later than December 1, 2017. The board shall meet at such times as the chairperson deems necessary.
(c) No member of the board shall receive compensation for such member's services.
(d) A majority of the members of said board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business or the exercise of any power of the board. The board may act by a majority of the members present at any meeting at which a quorum is in attendance for the transaction of any business or the exercise of any power of the board, except as otherwise provided in this section.
(e) Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes, it shall not constitute a conflict of interest for a trustee, director, partner, officer, manager, shareholder, proprietor, counsel, public official acting in his or her official capacity or employee of an eligible recipient, or any individual with a financial interest in an eligible recipient, to serve as a member of the board, provided such trustee, director, partner, officer, manager, shareholder, proprietor, counsel, employee or individual shall abstain from deliberation, action or vote by the board concerning any matter relating to such eligible recipient, except such public official acting in his or her official capacity shall be permitted to engage in such deliberation.
(f) The board may develop industry-specific advisory councils to provide guidance on job market trends and develop connections with the business community.
Sec. 9. (NEW) (Effective from passage) (a) There is established the Workforce Training Authority Fund, which shall be an account in the Department of Labor. The following moneys shall be deposited in the fund: (1) any moneys received as part of a memorandum of understanding with the Workforce Training Authority; (2) all private contributions, gifts, grants, donations, bequests or devises received by the fund; and (3) to the extent not otherwise prohibited by state or federal law, any local, state or federal funds received by the fund.
(b) The Workforce Training Authority Fund shall be used: (1) To provide training assistance to eligible recipients as may be approved by the Workforce Training Authority pursuant to subsection (e) of this section, and (2) to pay or reimburse the administrator for administrative costs pursuant to subsection (c) of this section. Such training assistance shall be awarded for the purpose of: Developing and implementing training programs for the recruitment of businesses to the state and the training or retraining of persons in the state to achieve the workforce goals established by the Connecticut Employment and Training Commission and the relevant sections of the strategic master plan for higher education developed pursuant to section 10a-11b of the general statutes. Training assistance shall target job growth in the areas of insurance, financial services, bioscience, advance manufacturing, digital media, green technology, and tourism.
(c) All expenditures from the Workforce Training Authority, except for administrative costs reimbursed to the administrator pursuant to subsection (h) of this section, shall be approved by the board, provided the board may delegate to staff of the administrator the approval of transactions not greater than one hundred thousand dollars. Any such approval by the board shall be (1) specific to an individual expenditure to be made; (2) for budgeted expenditures with such variations as the board may authorize at the time of such budget approval; or (3) for training assistance programs to be administered by staff of the administrator, subject to limits, eligibility requirements and other conditions established by the Workforce Training Authority at the time of such program approval.
(d) The administrator shall provide any necessary staff, office space, office systems and administrative support for the operation of the Workforce Training Authority Fund in accordance with this section. In acting as administrator of the fund, the Labor Department shall have and may exercise all of the powers set forth in the general statutes, provided expenditures from the fund shall be approved by the Workforce Training Authority pursuant to subsection (c) of this section.
(e) The Workforce Training Authority shall establish an application and approval process with guidelines and terms for the development and implementation of training programs awarded by the Workforce Training Authority Fund to any eligible recipient. Such guidelines and terms shall include: (1) A requirement that any applicant for training assistance operate in the state or propose to relocate operations to the state, in whole or in part, as a condition of such training assistance; (2) eligibility requirements for training, including a requirement for applicants to obtain matching funds from nonstate sources; (3) a process for preliminary review of applications for strength and eligibility by the administrator before such applications are presented to the board for consideration; (4) return on investment objectives, including, but not limited to, job growth and leveraged investment opportunities; (5) a requirement that any business that receives assistance must first consider applicants who have completed the universal intake form; and (6) such other guidelines and terms as the board determines to be necessary and appropriate in furtherance of the objectives of this section. In developing such guidelines, the board shall include considerations for the size of such businesses and the number of workers employed by such businesses. Additionally, the board shall give consideration to developing training programs and creating career pathways for formerly incarcerated individuals.
(f) Training assistance awarded from the Workforce Training Authority Fund to eligible recipients shall be used for costs related to facilities, necessary furniture, fixtures and equipment, development of programs, implementation of training programs, materials and supplies, compensation, apprenticeship and such other costs that the Workforce Training Authority Board determines pursuant to subsection (e) of this section to be eligible for training assistance within the purposes of this section.
(g) On July 1, 2018, and prior to each fiscal year thereafter, the administrator shall prepare a plan of operations and an operating and capital budget for the Workforce Training Authority Fund, provided not later than ninety days prior to the start of each fiscal year, the administrator shall submit such plan and budget to the Workforce Training Authority Board for its review and approval.
(h) Administrative costs shall be paid or reimbursed to the administrator from the Workforce Training Authority Fund, provided the total of such administrative costs in any fiscal year shall not exceed five per cent of the total amount of the allotted funding for such fiscal year as determined in the operating budget prepared pursuant to subsection (g) of this section. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to require the administrator to risk or expend the funds of the Labor Department in connection with the administration of the Workforce Training Authority Fund.
(i) On January 1, 2019, and annually thereafter, the administrator shall provide a report of the activities of the Workforce Training Authority Fund to the Workforce Training Authority for the board's review and approval. Upon such approval, the board shall provide such report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a of the general statutes, to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to labor, commerce and employment advancement. Such report shall contain available information on the status and progress of the operations and funding of the Workforce Training Authority Fund and the types, amounts and recipients of financial assistance awarded.
(j) The administrator shall consult with the office of apprenticeship training, the Connecticut Employment and Training Commission, the Planning Commission on Higher Education and the Connecticut Manufacturing Innovation Fund to ensure coordination and compatibility of the development and implementation of training programs awarded by the Workforce Training Authority Fund.
Sec. 10. (NEW) (Effective from passage) On or before December 1, 2017, the Labor Commissioner shall submit a report to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to labor and public employees, higher education and workforce advancement, and education. The report shall include all workforce reports published in coordination with the Labor Department and other agencies. Such report shall also include recommendations for (1) consolidating such reports, and (2) initiatives related to promoting increased interagency data collection and sharing.