This bill establishes a working group to conduct a study and make recommendations regarding the feasibility of state universities using the H1-B visa cap exemption process to fill high-value job openings and promote workforce development. The study will include examining barriers to establishing an international pipeline for eligible workforce population, barriers faced by the business community when hiring international students, evaluating international workforce pipeline programs used in other states, creating a best practices document for international workforce pipelines, and examining how to promote such a pipeline for in-demand jobs. The working group will consist of members appointed by the chairpersons of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly, including representatives from higher education institutions, the Office of Workforce Strategy, immigration attorneys, businesses with experience in hiring international students, and an association representing businesses and industries in the state. The working group will submit a report on its findings and recommendations to the joint standing committee by January 1, 2024.

This bill establishes a working group to conduct a study and make recommendations regarding the feasibility of state universities using the H1-B visa cap exemption process to fill high-value job openings and promote workforce development. The study will include examining barriers to establishing an international pipeline for eligible workforce population, barriers faced by the business community when hiring international students, evaluating international workforce pipeline programs used in other states, creating a best practices document for international workforce pipelines, and examining how to promote such a pipeline for in-demand jobs. The working group will consist of members appointed by the chairpersons of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly, including representatives from higher education institutions, the Office of Workforce Strategy, immigration attorneys, businesses with experience in hiring international students, and an association representing businesses and industries in the state. The working group will submit a report on its findings and recommendations to the joint standing committee by January 1, 2024.