AR SB441

Creates a 16-member Legislative Task Force on Workforce Education Excellence consisting of the chairs of Senate and House education committees, eight legislators from congressional districts, and six industry representatives appointed by legislative leadership.

Task force must conduct at least one meeting every three months at the State Capitol or alternate location, with first meeting required within 60 days of enactment; legislative members receive per diem and mileage while non-legislative members serve without compensation but may receive reimbursement.

Task force shall review career and technical education programs and workforce development offerings across high schools, secondary vocational centers, two-year and four-year institutions, and apprenticeship programs to identify gaps, inefficiencies, and barriers to alignment.

Task force must submit preliminary report by February 1, 2018 and final report by September 1, 2018 (with optional updated report by July 1, 2019) containing findings and recommendations on workforce needs, program delivery improvements, duplication reduction, and inter-agency data sharing.

Task force expires July 1, 2019; Bureau of Legislative Research provides staff support and task force may expend appropriated funds or third-party funding in carrying out its responsibilities.