Senate Bill No. 383, introduced by Senator Bass, aims to amend and reenact various provisions of the Incumbent Worker Training Program (IWTP) in Louisiana, with an effective date of August 1, 2026. The bill modifies eligibility criteria for businesses seeking to participate in the program, reducing the minimum operational requirement from three years to two years, unless exempted. It also establishes a new "Flexible Workforce Fund" within the Incumbent Worker Training Account, which will allocate funds for sector-based training, regional workforce initiatives, and pilot projects addressing high-demand occupations. The bill mandates that the administrator of the program define "customized training" through rule-making and ensures that training programs address specific workforce challenges, including process improvements and technology adoption.

Additionally, the bill outlines the types of training that can be funded, including customized training, small business employee training, preemployment training, and work-based learning. It specifies that no more than 10% of the appropriated funds can be used for administrative expenses, while up to 40% can be allocated for sector-based training and initiatives. The bill also includes provisions for adjusting the tax rate table to maintain revenue neutrality for the department by January 1, 2027. Overall, the proposed changes aim to enhance the effectiveness of the IWTP and better support the training needs of Louisiana's workforce.

Statutes affected:
SB383 Original: 23:1514(B), 23:1553(B)(8)