Last week we reviewed three bills making their way through the current legislative session, including proposals to build Commerce’s aviation advisory and OSPI apprenticeship pilot programs. This week we’re focusing on Career Connect Washington, apprenticeship unemployment claims, and dual credit.
Senate Bill 5305 has been referred to Ways & Means This bill would create the Office of Career Connect Washington within the
Washington Student Achievement Council. The office would advance, promote, and oversee the implementation of the Career Connect Washington vision to create and sustain a statewide system for career-connected learning that is demand-driven and leads Washington’s residents toward a career pathway.
House Bill 1458 is scheduled for executive session in the House Committee on Labor & Workplace Standards on February 10th.
HB 1458 would waive the waiting week for receiving unemployment insurance benefits for eligible claimants who left work to enter an apprenticeship program or stopped work for a participating employer to attend classes required for their apprenticeship.
The bill also requires the Employment Security Department to convene a work group to identify and address the legal and procedural barriers faced by eligible claimants participating in apprenticeship programs when they seek timely access to unemployment insurance benefits.
HB 1003 is scheduled for executive session in the House Committee on Education at 4:00 p.m. today.
The proposed legislation lowers dual credit program costs for eligible students with financial need by creating a subsidy program, reducing per college credit fees for college in the high school students, and revising eligibility for the Running Start program tuition fee waiver.
It would also expand requirements to notify students and their parents or legal guardians about dual credit programs, the dual enrollment subsidy program, and the dual credit incentive rebate.
Look out next week for more legislative run-downs, including a check on upcoming cut-off dates.