Senate Bill No. 346 seeks to amend the membership structure of the Governor's Workforce Council to align with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. The bill increases the number of business representatives appointed by the Governor from 24 to 30, with a requirement that at least one member be an expert in residential construction. It replaces the previous requirement for a separate gubernatorial appointment for a residential construction expert with the appointment of a director from the Department of Aging and Disability Services' vocational rehabilitation program. Additionally, the bill mandates that the council consist of an odd number of members, capped at 61, and includes technical updates to ensure compliance with federal law.

The bill also revises the composition and duties of the state workforce development board, introducing new qualifications for members, which must include business executives with hiring authority and representatives from businesses providing high-quality training in in-demand sectors. It mandates representation for small businesses and retains the requirement for the board to include the governor, two legislators, and other government representatives, ensuring a majority of business representatives and at least 20% workforce representatives. The council's duties are expanded to include convening stakeholders to inform workforce development policy and align educational institutions with employer needs. The Labor and Public Employees Committee has reported the bill favorably, reflecting strong support for these changes.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 31-3i
LAB Joint Favorable: 31-3i
File No. 81: 31-3i