HB 5001 Summary

• Establishes a Workforce Training Authority within the Labor Department to oversee a grant program that provides training assistance to public and private entities in targeted industries including construction, health care, early childhood education, insurance, financial services, bioscience, advanced manufacturing, digital media, green technology, and tourism.

• Restructures the Workforce Training Authority board effective October 1, 2019, to include representatives from community colleges, state universities, workforce investment boards, labor unions, minority organizations, and various industry sectors, with the Labor Commissioner serving as chairperson.

• Creates the Workforce Training Authority Fund to receive private contributions, grants, and state and federal funds, with administrative costs capped at 5% of annual funding and all other expenditures requiring board approval.

• Requires the Labor Department to conduct a study by October 1, 2019, examining workforce development programs, American Job Center operations, employer utilization, employment outcomes, and coordination between state and local workforce boards, with findings due to the legislature by January 1, 2020.

• Directs the Labor Commissioner to post notice of intent by December 31, 2019, to adopt regulations regarding gratuity allowances under minimum wage laws, considering federal Fair Labor Standards Act provisions and U.S. Department of Labor guidance.