Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB83

Introduced
1/25/23  

Caption

American Apprenticeship Act This bill authorizes the Department of Labor to make grants to assist states in carrying out projects that defray the cost of pre-apprenticeship or related instruction for qualified apprenticeship programs. Labor shall (1) establish performance measures and an evaluation system for such grant program; and (2) identify in-demand occupations that lack the use of apprenticeships, analyze the use of the qualified apprenticeship program model in those occupations, and report on such analysis to states and Congress.

Impact

If enacted, the American Apprenticeship Act is expected to have a significant impact on state laws concerning apprenticeship and vocational training programs. It allocates $15 million annually from 2024 to 2029 for states to implement these projects, which not only supports the direct costs of such programs but also requires states to collaborate with industry stakeholders and educational institutions to ensure a comprehensive approach to workforce development. This can lead to new educational partnerships and frameworks that enhance the efficacy of apprenticeship programs across the nation.

Summary

The proposed SB83, officially titled the 'American Apprenticeship Act', aims to bolster workforce development by facilitating federal grants to assist states in funding costs associated with pre-apprenticeships and related instruction for qualified apprenticeship programs. This legislation targets enhancing the transition from education to work by improving training opportunities for individuals entering the job market, particularly in high-demand fields. By focusing on pre-apprenticeship programs, the bill acknowledges the needs of various industries and aims to better prepare individuals for successful careers in these sectors.

Contention

However, the legislation is likely to spur discussion regarding the appropriate allocation of federal and state resources. Critics may argue about the sufficiency of the funding versus the growing needs of workforce training and the types of occupations that are prioritized under this act. Ensuring equitable access to these resources for underserved populations—such as minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities—could be a point of contention among lawmakers and advocacy groups, raising questions about how effectively the program can address systemic inequalities in employment.

Companion Bills

US HB511

Identical bill American Apprenticeship Act

Similar Bills

US HB471

Safer Highways and Increased Performance for Interstate Trucking Act or the SHIP IT Act This bill expands programs and special permits for trucks and truck drivers. Specifically, a state may issue a special permit for certain overweight vehicles based on a Presidential major disaster declaration or a Department of Transportation (DOT) declaration (1) of an emergency (including non-natural or financial), or (2) that the United States supply chain is having issues. Currently, a state may issue a special permit only based on a Presidential major disaster declaration. DOT must also, subject to the availability of funds, award competitive grants to construct or improve commercial vehicle parking facilities. Under the bill, the Department of Labor must provide Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act grants for entry level commercial motor vehicle driver training. The bill also establishes a limited tax credit, adjusted annually based on inflation, for eligible commercial driver's license holders. Further, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration must revise certain regulations related to commercial driver's license testing and permits, including to allow a third-party examiner to administer commercial driver's license tests. DOT must also establish a pilot program allowing states to issue permits for qualifying vehicles with six axles or more operating at greater than 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight on a state's Interstate System. (Generally, the federal commercial vehicle weight limit is 80,000 pounds, with some exceptions.) The bill also exempts the battery weight from the gross vehicle weight for certain commercial motor vehicles powered primarily by electric battery power. Finally, existing driving time exemptions are expanded for truck drivers transporting agricultural commodities and farm supplies within a 150-mile radius.

CA SB638

California Education and Workforce Development Coordinating Entity: Career Technical Education and Career Pathways Grant Program.

CA SB33

California Environmental Quality Act: judicial and administrative proceedings: limitations.

CA SB789

California Environmental Quality Act: sports and entertainment project.

CA AB2358

Apprenticeships: discrimination: prohibition.

CA AB3231

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IA SF318

A bill for an act relating to apprenticeships and establishing an Iowa office of apprenticeship and Iowa apprenticeship council. (Formerly SSB 1086.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

IA SSB1086

A bill for an act relating to apprenticeships and establishing an Iowa office of apprenticeship and Iowa apprenticeship council.(See SF 318.)