Bill > HB3634

This bill establishes the Water Workforce Program within the Higher Education Coordinating Commission to address workforce shortages in water-related industries, particularly water and wastewater utilities. The program aims to increase and diversify the supply of skilled water professionals by providing education, training, and career development opportunities. Local workforce development boards will implement the program, with the commission providing grants to support various initiatives such as identifying barriers to entry, developing training pathways, creating apprenticeship programs, and conducting targeted outreach to environmental justice communities. The bill appropriates $3.5 million from the General Fund for the 2025-2027 biennium to support these efforts. Specific activities include developing partnerships with utilities, providing tuition and fee assistance, offering paid work experiences, and creating job placement services. The program will prioritize addressing workforce needs in rural, coastal, and remote communities, and will require the commission to submit biennial reports on the program's outcomes. The bill includes an emergency clause, making it effective immediately upon passage, to address critical workforce development needs in the water sector.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB3634