This bill focuses on enhancing workforce training, unemployment insurance, and adult education in Iowa by amending the roles of the Department of Workforce Development and related boards. Notable changes include the addition of the RefugeeRISE AmeriCorps program to Iowa's national service corps and a redefinition of the Department's responsibilities to emphasize job placement and training, while eliminating references to employment safety and labor standards. The Workforce Development Board is granted the authority to establish standing committees, and local workforce development plans are modified to ensure alignment with federal laws.

Furthermore, the bill updates the definition of taxable wages for unemployment insurance, stating that only wages paid in Iowa will be considered, and it repeals outdated programs such as the Iowa conservation corps. It also transfers certain reporting duties from the Department to the College Student Aid Commission. The Iowa student internship program is modified to remove financial assistance for connecting students with small and medium-sized firms, while still supporting STEM internships. An appropriation of $1,039,425 is allocated to enhance internship opportunities in innovative businesses, and responsibilities for adult education and literacy programs are revised to be solely managed by the Department.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 15H.9, 15H.5, 84A.1A, 84A.1B, 84A.3, 84A.5, 84A.6, 97B.1A, 256.228, 256.229, 84A.7, 84A.21, 12C.7, 84A.19