The proposed bill introduces the Workforce-Education Partnership Act, which aims to encourage business owners in West Virginia to contract their employees to participate in vocational programs and high school classes. This initiative is designed to foster economic growth and strengthen workforce development while ensuring compliance with worker classification laws and maintaining educational employment standards. The bill outlines the definitions of key terms, such as "vocational programs," "high school classes," and "educational contract," and establishes the framework for business owners to engage their employees in educational roles while retaining their employment status and benefits.

Additionally, the bill provides a tax credit incentive for business owners who participate in this program, allowing them to claim 100% of the gross wages paid to employees engaged in educational activities, capped at $50,000 per tax year and a total of $5 million statewide annually. The legislation emphasizes fiscal responsibility by ensuring minimal administrative costs to the state and mandates compliance with educational employment standards. The West Virginia Department of Tax and Revenue and the Department of Education are tasked with overseeing the program, including the development of an online application portal and annual reporting on the program's effectiveness.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 11-13NN-1