Bill S.48, introduced by Senator Clarkson, aims to reorganize the leadership structure overseeing workforce education, employment, and training activities in Vermont. The bill amends current law to designate the Commissioner of Labor and the Executive Director of the Office of Workforce Strategy and Development as co-leaders of these initiatives. Key changes include the insertion of "AND EMPLOYMENT" into the title of workforce education and training, and the replacement of the term "leader" with "leaders." The bill also establishes the Department of Labor as the State Workforce Agency under the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and outlines the responsibilities of both leaders in coordinating workforce programs and ensuring alignment with the needs of the workforce and employers.

Additionally, the bill introduces several new provisions, such as the requirement for the Commissioner of Labor to develop strategies to reduce employee layoffs and business closures, and to provide reemployment services. It mandates the creation of a publicly accessible inventory of workforce programs and emphasizes the importance of data collection to assess the effectiveness of these programs. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and aims to enhance the coordination and effectiveness of workforce development efforts in Vermont.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 10-540