This bill amends the Workforce Development Act of December 18, 2001, to enhance the definitions and responsibilities of local workforce development boards in Pennsylvania. Key additions include the definitions of "Aggregated statistical form," "Application for benefits," "Data dashboard," and "New hire database," which clarify the types of data that can be utilized for workforce development purposes. Furthermore, the bill mandates that local workforce development boards receive and utilize information from the new hire database and unemployment data when developing local plans and assessing program eligibility, while also allowing for exemptions upon written request.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for the development and maintenance of a data dashboard by the Center for Workforce Information and Analysis, which will provide accessible data for local boards. It outlines the technical assistance that will be provided to these boards for effective data interpretation and dissemination, ensuring that no fees are charged for this assistance. The bill also establishes guidelines for the confidentiality and protection of disclosed unemployment compensation information, detailing allowable uses and the necessary agreements to safeguard this data. The act is set to take effect six months after its passage.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 55 (Jan 22, 2025): P.L.949, No.114
Printer's No. 986 (Jun 24, 2025): P.L.949, No.114
Printer's No. 0055: P.L.949, No.114