Bill > HB1161

This bill establishes the Veteran Employability Training and Career Advancement for Reentry Program, designed to support justice-involved veterans in their transition back to civilian life. The program will be administered by the state board for community and technical colleges and will initially operate at one community college west of the Cascade mountains. A full-time navigator will work with eligible veterans (defined as those within 24 months of release from incarceration or in specific pretrial diversion programs) to provide individualized employment readiness services, including intake interviews, verification of military service, developing transition plans, and assisting with career development. The program also offers support for participants' immediate family members, including rental assistance up to $1,000 per month, food assistance up to $500 per month, transportation-related expenses, and funds for work clothing and training certificates. The department of corrections will help identify and support participating veterans, while the department of veterans affairs will provide data collection and tracking. An interagency work group will analyze the potential for statewide expansion, and the program will be required to submit annual reports to the legislature on participant outcomes such as educational attainment, employment statistics, and recidivism rates. The program is set to expire on August 1, 2031, and is subject to specific appropriations.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1161&Year=2025&Initiative=false