Bill > HB2985

This bill amends the Illinois Works Jobs Program Act to expand and refine workforce development initiatives. It broadens the definition of "community-based organization" to include high school-based programs and modifies how funding from the Illinois Works Fund is allocated, categorizing it by Illinois Department of Transportation regions. The bill adds a new member to the Illinois Works Review Panel who represents community-based organizations focusing on high school-based workforce programs. It also clarifies requirements for apprentices, including a more specific definition that involves completing the Illinois Works Preapprenticeship Program and having certification for potential apprenticeship program participation. The bill allows community-based organizations to provide high school-based preapprenticeship programming, which can include participants under 18 and accommodate school-year schedules. Additionally, it increases the panel membership from 25 to 26 members and provides more detailed guidelines for apprenticeship utilization on public works projects, with specific requirements for labor hours performed by apprenticeship program graduates. The overall goal is to create more diverse and accessible workforce training opportunities, particularly for underrepresented populations in the construction and building trades.

Budget and Finance

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=2985&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104