summary
Introduced
01/06/2026
01/06/2026
In Committee
01/14/2026
01/14/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Creates the Workforce Pipeline Act. Provides that beginning with the 2027-2028 school year, each institution (defined as a public high school, school district, or nonpublic high school recognized by the State Board of Education) shall provide access to at least one Pipeline Program in a high-need occupation. Requires the State Board, in consultation with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, to develop a model memorandum of understanding for an institution and a local workforce partner. Requires an employer participating in a Pipeline Program to maintain workers' compensation and general liability insurance. Provides that participation in a Pipeline Program does not create civil liability for an employer beyond the employer's statutory duties, as long as the employer acts in good faith and complies with safety requirements. Provides that an institution's chief procurement office shall establish a bid preference, not to exceed 5%, for an employer participating in a Pipeline Program. Allows a student to participate in a Pipeline Program with parental consent if under the age of 18. Provides that an institution and a local workforce partner may establish articulation agreements for credit, credentials, or hours earned. Requires an employer to comply with all safety standards applicable to minors and a mentor or supervisor to comply with an institution's volunteer or contractor background-check procedures. Requires the State Board to submit a one-page summary on Pipeline Programs to the General Assembly. Provides that nothing in the Act may be construed as a mandate requiring an institution to incur additional expenditures or establish new programs. Allows the State Board and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to adopt any rules necessary to implement the Act. Repeals the Act on July 1, 2032. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.
AI Summary
This bill, the Workforce Pipeline Act, requires that starting with the 2027-2028 school year, all recognized high schools and school districts (referred to as "institutions") must offer students access to at least one "Pipeline Program," which is a structured sequence of instruction or training designed to prepare students for jobs in "high-need occupations" (jobs identified as having shortages or high demand). The State Board of Education, working with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, will create a template for agreements between schools and local workforce partners, such as employers or trade organizations, outlining their roles and responsibilities. Employers participating in these programs must have workers' compensation and liability insurance, and their participation will not expose them to additional legal liability beyond their normal duties if they act in good faith and follow safety rules. To encourage employer involvement, schools will give a bid preference of up to 5% to participating employers. Students under 18 can join with parental consent, and schools and partners can agree to give credit or credentials for work done in the program. Employers must follow safety rules for minors, and mentors or supervisors must pass background checks required by the school. The State Board will provide an annual one-page report on the programs to the General Assembly, and the bill clarifies that no school will be forced to spend extra money or create new programs to comply. The Act will be repealed on July 1, 2032.
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Referred to Rules Committee (on 01/14/2026)
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