The proposed bill introduces the Digital Skills Empowerment Act, which aims to enhance digital skills training and certification for residents in qualified census tracts in Nebraska, particularly in economically disadvantaged areas. The Act recognizes the importance of digital skills in the modern workforce and seeks to address barriers to access in communities like North Omaha. It establishes grant programs to support local educational institutions and nonprofits in developing digital skills training centers, as well as providing financial assistance for low-income individuals to access these programs. The bill also emphasizes the need for standardized curricula aligned with industry requirements and encourages partnerships with technology firms to facilitate training and apprenticeship opportunities.

Additionally, the bill amends section 81-407 of the Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska to allow the Workforce Development Program Cash Fund to be used for grants under the Digital Skills Empowerment Act. It proposes an appropriation of fifty million dollars from this fund for fiscal year 2025-26 and subsequent years to support the initiatives outlined in the Act. The legislation is set to become operative on January 1, 2026, and repeals the original section 81-407.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 81-407