HB 5385

Abstract

Amends the Department of Veterans' Affairs Act. Requires the Department of Veterans' Affairs to contract with a non-profit organization to serve as the State's principal assistance organization under the United States Department of Defense's SkillBridge program for employers and transitioning service members. Provides that the selected non-profit organization must demonstrate a commitment to assisting service members as they transition from military to civilian life. Provides that as the State's principal assistance organization under the United States Department of Defense's SkillBridge program for qualified businesses in this State and for transitioning service members who reside in, or who wish to reside in, this State, the organization shall: (1) establish and maintain, as applicable, its certification for the SkillBridge program or any other similar workforce training and transition programs established by the United States Department of Defense; (2) educate businesses, business associations, and transitioning service members regarding the SkillBridge program and its benefits, and educate military command and personnel within the State on the opportunities available to transitioning service members through the SkillBridge program; (3) assist businesses in obtaining approval for skilled workforce training curricula under the SkillBridge program, including, but not limited to, apprenticeships, internships, or fellowships; and (4) match transitioning service members who are deemed eligible for SkillBridge participation by their military command with training opportunities offered by the organization or participating businesses, with the intent of having transitioning service members achieve gainful employment in this State upon completion of their SkillBridge training. Permits the Department to adopt rules. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Makes the bill subject to appropriation. House Floor Amendment No. 2 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Department of Veterans' Affairs Act. Provides that, subject to appropriation, the Department of Veterans' Affairs shall serve as the State's principal assistance organization under the United States Department of Defense's SkillBridge program for employers and transitioning service members. Provides that as the State's principal assistance organization under the United States Department of Defense's SkillBridge program for qualified businesses in this State and for transitioning service members who reside in, or who wish to reside in, this State, the Department shall: (1) establish and maintain, as applicable, its certification for the SkillBridge program or any other similar workforce training and transition programs established by the United States Department of Defense; (2) educate businesses, business associations, and transitioning service members regarding the SkillBridge program and its benefits, and educate military command and personnel within the State on the opportunities available to transitioning service members through the SkillBridge program; (3) assist businesses in obtaining approval for skilled workforce training curricula under the SkillBridge program, including, but not limited to, apprenticeships, internships, or fellowships; and (4) match transitioning service members who are deemed eligible for SkillBridge participation by their military command with training opportunities offered by participating businesses, with the intent of having transitioning service members achieve gainful employment in this State upon completion of their SkillBridge training. Permits the Department to adopt rules.