Tennessee House Bill HB0902

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/23
• Refer: 2/2/23
• Refer: 3/20/23
• Refer: 3/13/24
• Refer: 4/8/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4 and Title 49, relative to workforce development.

Impact

The establishment of this data center represents a significant step towards improving the state's workforce development strategies. It aims to enhance cooperation between K-12 education, higher education, and workforce training systems, ultimately leading to a more skilled workforce ready to meet employer demands. The bill outlines specific duties and functions for the newly created Future of Work Commission, which includes overseeing the data center’s activities and ensuring compliance with relevant privacy laws. It will not only streamline information sharing but also enable stakeholders to access critical data for informed decision making regarding education and workforce policies.

Summary

House Bill 0902 aims to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Title 4 and Title 49, by establishing a framework for workforce development and enhancing the state's education systems. The bill underscores the importance of education and workforce training in preparing students and existing workers for the current and future job market needs. By creating a dedicated Tennessee education and workforce data center, the bill intends to facilitate better data sharing among educational institutions and workforce entities, thereby addressing the skilled labor shortage faced by Tennessee employers.

Contention

While the bill is largely seen as a positive move towards strengthening workforce readiness in Tennessee, some concerns may arise surrounding the handling of data privacy and the effectiveness of data sharing among various stakeholders. The emphasis on centralizing data and research may also result in apprehensions regarding how the information will be utilized and whether it will adequately protect student and worker privacy. Ensuring transparency in operations and maintaining public trust will be vital as the commission and the data center move forward with their initiatives.