HR 7291 — Broadband Industry Development Act

Summary

To amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to direct the Secretary of Labor to award grants to train workers for broadband careers.

Bill Text

• Introduced Introduced in House Current html February 07, 2024

Compared against current U.S. Code AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill establishes a new section for broadband industry training grants under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

• Subtitle D of title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3221 et seq.)

  SEC. 172. BROADBAND INDUSTRY TRAINING GRANTS. (a) In General.--The Secretary shall award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible entities to provide training programs (including pre-apprenticeship programs) to prepare workers for careers in the broadband industry.

  This addition creates a new grant program specifically for training workers for the broadband sector.

• Subtitle D of title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3221 et seq.)

  (b) Application Requirements.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.

  This sets forth application requirements for entities seeking grants for broadband training.

• Subtitle D of title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3221 et seq.)

  (c) Matching Funds.--Each eligible entity that receives a grant under this section shall provide, from non-Federal sources, an amount equal to 25 percent of the amount of the grant (which may be provided in cash or in kind) to carry out the activities supported by the grant.

  An eligible entity must contribute matching funds to the grant, promoting investment in broadband training.

• Subtitle D of title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3221 et seq.)

  (d) No New Funds Authorized.--Amounts authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section shall be derived solely from amounts otherwise appropriated for the Department of Labor.

  This clarifies that the funding for these grants will come from existing appropriations, not new funds.

• Subtitle D of title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3221 et seq.)

  (e) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Apprenticeship program.--The term `apprenticeship program' means an apprenticeship registered under the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the `National Apprenticeship Act'; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663; 29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.). (2) Broadband.--The term `broadband' has the meaning given the term `broadband internet access service' in section 8.1(b) of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation). (3) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means-- (A) an eligible provider of training services identified under section 122 (or a consortium of such providers); (B) a labor organization or joint labor-management organization; (C) a nonprofit entity (such as a community-based organization that assists program participants in accessing supportive services); (D) a private business; (E) an industry association; or (F) an institution of higher education (such as a community college). (4) Pre-apprenticeship program.--The term `pre-apprenticeship program' means a program-- (A) designed to assist individuals who do not meet minimum qualifications for an apprenticeship program and prepare them to enter and succeed in such an apprenticeship, including by providing the skills and competency attainment needed to enter the apprenticeship; and (B) that is carried out by a sponsor that has a written agreement with at least one sponsor of an apprenticeship.

  This section introduces definitions crucial for implementing the new broadband training grants.

• 29 U.S.C. § 3221 et seq.

  section 172 → section 173

  This change renumbers the existing section 172 to section 173 to accommodate the new broadband industry training grants section.

• 29 U.S.C. § 3221 et seq.

  Sec. 172. Broadband industry training grants.

  This adds a new item to the table of contents for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

Action History

1. February 07, 2024

   Introduced in House

2. February 07, 2024

   Introduced in House

3. February 07, 2024

   Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.

Sponsors

• Marcus J. Molinaro · Primary

Subjects