The Alabama Workforce Transformation Act (SB247) proposes a comprehensive overhaul of the state's workforce management structure, including the renaming of the Alabama Department of Labor to the Alabama Department of Workforce and changing the title of its head from Secretary of Labor to Secretary of Workforce. The bill introduces new responsibilities for the Department, such as establishing the Alabama Workforce Board as the State Workforce Development Board and overseeing all workforce development programs previously managed by the Department of Commerce. It also mandates the collection of labor force data and the development of a unified Strategic Workforce Plan, which will guide state and federal workforce policies. Key amendments include the removal of a provision requiring a minimum 20% reduction in administrative costs from the merger of departments and the establishment of a new Workforce Pathways Division.

Additionally, the bill streamlines the governance framework by repealing sections related to the Alabama Workforce Council and regional workforce development councils. It clarifies the roles of the Alabama Industrial Development and Training Institute and ensures that any construction or renovation projects align with the Strategic Workforce Plan. The Secretary of Workforce is tasked with soliciting annual funding recommendations and is given flexibility in salary, while the bill emphasizes collaboration among state and local entities involved in workforce development. The provisions of the act are set to be fully implemented by October 1, 2025, with the act becoming effective on October 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 25-2-2, 25-2-3, 25-2-6
Engrossed: 25-2-2, 25-2-3, 25-2-6
Enrolled: 25-2-2, 25-2-3, 25-2-6