SB 881 — AN ACT CONCERNING WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT.

(l) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (b) to (j), inclusive, of this section and subject to the authority of the State Board of Education to regulate teacher education programs, up to twelve new programs of higher learning in any academic year and any program modifications proposed by an independent institution of higher education, as defined in section 10a-173, shall not be subject to approval bytheOfficeLCO ofHigher{\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0089 Education,provided(1)theinstitutionmaintainsof eligibility62 toR03-SB.docx participate} inSubstitute financialBill aid programs governed by Title IV, sSB881 / File No.

679881 9bytheOffice sSB881ofHigher FileEducation,provided(1)theinstitutionmaintains No.eligibility to participate in financial aid programs governed by Title IV, Part B of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended from time to time, (2) the United States Department of Education has not determined that the institution has a financial responsibility score that is less than 1.5 for the most recent fiscal year for which the data necessary for determining the score is available, and (3) the institution has been located in the state and accredited as a degree-granting institution in goodstandingfortenyearsormorebyaregionalaccreditingassociation recognized by the Secretary of the United States Department of Education and maintains such accreditation status.

679 Part B of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended from time to time, (2) the United States Department of Education has not determined that the institution has a financial responsibility score that is less than 1.5 for the most recent fiscal year for which the data necessary for determining the score is available, and (3) the institution has been located in the state and accredited as a degree-granting institution in goodstandingfortenyearsormorebyaregionalaccreditingassociation recognized by the Secretary of the United States Department of Education and maintains such accreditation status.

Said office may waive the requirement for program approval for any new program if it determines that the new program aligns with and furthers the goals of theLCO state{\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0010 workforce strategy approved by the Governor pursuant to subdivision (5) of subsection62 (b)R03-SB.docx of} sectionSubstitute 4-124w,Bill as amended by this sSB881 / File No.

679881 10the sSB881state Fileworkforce No.strategy approved by the Governor pursuant to subdivision (5) of subsection (b) of section 4-124w, as amended by this act.

679 act.

(NEW) (Effective July 1, 2021) (a) Not later than January 1, 2023, each private occupational school, as defined in section 10a-22a of the general statutes, and each provider of an alternate route to certification program approved by the State Board of Education shall submit, in a form and manner prescribed by the executive director of the Office of Higher Education, data for each student enrolled in such private occupational school or alternate route to certification program, including, but not limited to, course enrollment, course completion, credential completion, fees and tuition charged, federal student loans received, federal student loan balances, and for any student who has a state-assignedLCO student{\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0011 identifier pursuant to section 10-10a of the62 generalR03-SB.docx statutes,} suchSubstitute studentBill identifier.No.

sSB881881 /state-assigned Filestudent No.identifier pursuant to section 10-10a of the general statutes, such student identifier.

679(b) 11No sSB881identifiable Filestudent No.information provided to the Office of Higher Education pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall be released to the public by the office.

679 (b) No identifiable student information provided to the Office of Higher Education pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall be released to the public by the office.

The information required pursuant to this subparagraph shall be included in the quarterly filings of employers subjectLCO to{\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0012 this chapter with ninety-nine or fewer employees commencing with the third calendar quarter of 2025,62 exceptR03-SB.docx employers} subjectSubstitute toBill this chapter with forty-nine or fewer employees without an sSB881 / File No.

679881 12subject sSB881to Filethis No.chapter with ninety-nine or fewer employees commencing with the third calendar quarter of 2025, except employers subject to this chapter with forty-nine or fewer employees without an electronic payroll system shall include such information commencing with the third calendar quarter of 2027.

679 electronic payroll system shall include such information commencing with the third calendar quarter of 2027.

(4) [Commencing with the first calendar quarter of 2014, each] Each employer subject to this chapter who makes contributions or payments in lieu of contributions for employees receiving wages in employment subjectLCO to{\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0013 thischapter, andeachpersonor organizationthat, asanagent, makes contributions or payments in lieu of contributions62 forR03-SB.docx employees} receivingSubstitute wagesBill in employment subject to this chapter on behalf of one sSB881 / File No.

679881 13subject sSB881to Filethischapter, No.andeachpersonor organizationthat, asanagent, makes contributions or payments in lieu of contributions for employees receiving wages in employment subject to this chapter on behalf of one or more employers subject to this chapter shall make such contributions or payments in lieu of contributions electronically.

679 or more employers subject to this chapter shall make such contributions or payments in lieu of contributions electronically.

The administrator or the department may share nonidentifiable information provided pursuant to subparagraph (B) of subdivision (1) of this subsection with another state agency, another state or territory, the federal government ortosupportadatarequestsubmittedthroughCP20WINinaccordance with the policies and procedures of CP20 WIN, established pursuant sectionLCO 10a-57g,{\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0014 for the purposes of program62 administration,R03-SB.docx audit,} evaluationSubstitute orBill research.No.

881 section 10a-57g, for the purposes of program administration, audit, evaluation or research.

Subsection (b) of section 12-15 of the general statutes is sSB881repealed /andthefollowing Fileissubstituted No.inlieuthereof(EffectiveOctober 1, 2021):

679(b) 14The sSB881commissioner Filemay No.disclose (1) returns or return information to (A) an authorized representative of another state agency or office, upon written request by the head of such agency or office, when required in the course of duty or when there is reasonable cause to believe that any state law is being violated, or (B) an authorized representative of an agency or office of the United States, upon written requestbytheheadofsuchagencyoroffice, whenrequiredinthecourse of duty or when there is reasonable cause to believe that any federal law is being violated, provided no such agency or office shall disclose such returns or return information, other than in a judicial or administrative proceeding to which such agency or office is a party pertaining to the enforcement of state or federal law, as the case may be, in a form which can be associated with, or otherwise identify, directly or indirectly, a particular taxpayer except that the names and addresses of jurors or potential jurors and the fact that the names were derived from the list of taxpayers pursuant to chapter 884 may be disclosed by the Judicial Branch;

679 repealed andthefollowing is substituted inlieuthereof(EffectiveOctober 1, 2021):

(b) The commissioner may disclose (1) returns or return information to (A) an authorized representative of another state agency or office, upon written request by the head of such agency or office, when required in the course of duty or when there is reasonable cause to believe that any state law is being violated, or (B) an authorized representative of an agency or office of the United States, upon written requestbytheheadofsuchagencyoroffice,whenrequiredinthecourse of duty or when there is reasonable cause to believe that any federal law is being violated, provided no such agency or office shall disclose such returns or return information, other than in a judicial or administrative proceeding to which such agency or office is a party pertaining to the enforcement of state or federal law, as the case may be, in a form which can be associated with, or otherwise identify, directly or indirectly, a particular taxpayer except that the names and addresses of jurors or potential jurors and the fact that the names were derived from the list of taxpayers pursuant to chapter 884 may be disclosed by the Judicial Branch;

(3) returns or return information to tax officers of another state or of a Canadian province or of a political subdivision of such other state or province or of the District of Columbia or to any officer of the United States Treasury Department or the United States Department of Health and Human Services, authorized for such purpose in accordance with an agreement between this state and such other state, province, political subdivision, the District of Columbia or department, respectively, when required in the administration of taxes imposed under the laws of such other state, province, political subdivision, the District of Columbia or the United States, respectively, and when a reciprocal arrangement exists;LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0015 of 62 R03-SB.docx } Substitute Bill No.

881 exists;

(5) returns or return information to a taxpayer or its authorized representative, upon sSB881written /request Filefor No.a return filed by or return information on such taxpayer;

679 15 sSB881 File No.

679 written request for a return filed by or return information on such taxpayer;

(11) return information to the Jury Administrator, when the information disclosed isLCO limited{\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0016 to the names, addresses, federal Social Security numbers and dates of birth,62 ifR03-SB.docx available,} ofSubstitute residentsBill ofNo. this state, as defined in subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of section 12-701;

(12)881 returnsis orlimited return information to anythe personnames, toaddresses, thefederal extentSocial necessarySecurity innumbers connectionand withdates theof processing,birth, storage,if transmissionavailable, orof reproductionresidents of suchthis returnsstate, oras sSB881defined /in Filesubdivision No.(1) of subsection (a) of section 12-701;

679(12) 16returns sSB881or Filereturn No.information to any person to the extent necessary in connection with the processing, storage, transmission or reproduction of such returns or return information, and the programming, maintenance, repair, testing or procurement of equipment, or the providing of other services, for purposes of tax administration;

679 return information, and the programming, maintenance, repair, testing or procurement of equipment, or the providing of other services, for purposes of tax administration;

[and] (19) returns or return information for purposes of, and subject to the conditions of, subsection (e)LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0017 of section62 5-240;R03-SB.docx } Substitute Bill No.

881 (e) of section 5-240;

sSB881Sec. / File No.

679 17 sSB881 File No.

679 Sec.

(NEW) (Effective July 1, 2021) No officer, employee or agent of a department, board,commission,publicinstitutionofhigherboard, commission,publicinstitutionofhigher education or any other agency of the state, or any officer, employee or agent of a local or regional board of education, shall share, disclose or make accessible in any manner records or information obtained by such officer, employee or agent from an application for institutional financial aid for students without legal immigration status, pursuant to section 10a-161d of the general statutes, to any federal immigration authority, as defined in section 54-192h of the general statutes.

(b) Not later than January 1, 2022, the Commissioner of Transportation shall establish CTpass program to allow individuals in an approved class for an eligible organization to use certain public transitserviceswithoutcostorattransitserviceswithoutcostoratareduced areducedcost.Thecommissionershallcost.Thecommissionershall post information regarding the CTpass program and application process for such program on the Department of Transportation's Internet web site in a manner that, in the commissioner's discretion, will maximize awareness and participation by the greatest number of eligible organizations.

(c)LCO Upon{\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0018 receipt of an62 applicationR03-SB.docx from} anSubstitute eligibleBill organizationNo. to participate in the CTpass program, the commissioner may negotiate the terms and conditions and enter into a contract with such eligible organization.The commissioner may treat severaleligibleorganizations as a single eligible organization for the purposes of a contract under the CTpass program.

Such881 (c) Upon receipt of an application from an eligible organization to participate in the CTpass program, the commissioner may negotiate the terms and conditions shalland include,enter butinto nota becontract sSB881with /such Fileeligible No.organization.The commissioner may treat severaleligibleorganizations as a single eligible organization for the purposes of a contract under the CTpass program.

679Such 18terms sSB881and Fileconditions No.shall include, but not be limited to, the amount of compensation or reimbursement required from the eligible organization, the definition of approved class specific to the eligible organization and any limitations on times of use or types of public transit services available to the approved class.

679 limited to, the amount of compensation or reimbursement required from the eligible organization, the definition of approved class specific to the eligible organization and any limitations on times of use or types of public transit services available to the approved class.

In this chapter, the following words and terms shall have the following meanings unless the context indicates another or different meaningLCO or{\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0019 intent:of 62 R03-SB.docx } Substitute Bill No.

881 meaning or intent:

sSB881(2) /"Authorized Fileofficer" No.means an employee of the Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority or of the authority who is authorized by the board of directors of the authority to execute and deliver documents and papers and to act in the name of and on behalf of the authority;

679 19 sSB881 File No.

679 (2) "Authorized officer" means an employee of the Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority or of the authority who is authorized by the board of directors of the authority to execute and deliver documents and papers and to act in the name of and on behalf of the authority;

(8) "Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority" means theLCO quasi-public{\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0020 authorityof established62 pursuantR03-SB.docx to} sectionSubstitute 10a-179;Bill No.

881 the quasi-public authority established pursuant to section 10a-179;

sSB881(11) /"Default Filereserve No.fund" means a fund established pursuant to a bond resolution for the purpose of securing education loans, authority loans or bonds;

679 20 sSB881 File No.

679 (11) "Default reserve fund" means a fund established pursuant to a bond resolution for the purpose of securing education loans, authority loans or bonds;

(15)LCO "Participating{\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0021 institution for higher education" means a Connecticut institution for higher education which, pursuant to the provisions of this62 chapter,R03-SB.docx undertakes} theSubstitute financingBill directlyNo. or indirectly of education loans as provided in this chapter;

(16)881 "Parent"(15) means"Participating anyinstitution parent,for legalhigher guardianeducation" ormeans sponsor of a studentConnecticut at an institution for higher education which, pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, undertakes the financing directly or enrolledindirectly inof aeducation high-valueloans sSB881as /provided Filein No.this chapter;

679(16) 21"Parent" sSB881means Fileany No.parent, legal guardian or sponsor of a student at an institution for higher education or enrolled in a high-value certificate program;

679 certificate program;

(21) "High-value certificate program" means a noncredit sub- baccalaureate certificate program offered by an institution of higher education or a private occupational school that the Office of Workforce Strategy designates to be a credential of value pursuant to section 4 of thisLCO act;{\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0022 of 62 R03-SB.docx } Substitute Bill No.

881 this act;

(NEW) (Effective July 1, 2021) The Connecticut Higher EducationSupplementalLoanAuthority shallestablishanaccount to be sSB881knownastheCertificateLoanLossReserveandFundingaccount,which /shall Filebe No.a separate, nonlapsing account.

679 22 sSB881 File No.

679 knownastheCertificateLoanLossReserveandFundingaccount,which shall be a separate, nonlapsing account.

(NEW) (Effective July 1, 2021) Not later than February 1, 2023, the Chief Workforce Officer, jointly with the Commissioners of Correction and Labor and the Undersecretary for Criminal Justice at the Office of Policy and Management, shall submit to the Governor, the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, and, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a of the general statutes, to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to the judiciary, higher education and employment advancement,LCO labor,{\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0023 and commerce, recommendations to improve workforce training and attainment of credentials,62 asR03-SB.docx defined} inSubstitute sectionBill 3,No. for individuals incarcerated by the Department of Correction, including but not limited to (1) whether credential attainment shall be a factor for early release, and (2) credentials and skills that are in demand in the labor market and that lead to quality jobs, including any barriers to equitable access to such quality jobs.

sSB881881 /advancement, Filelabor, No.and commerce, recommendations to improve workforce training and attainment of credentials, as defined in section 3, for individuals incarcerated by the Department of Correction, including but not limited to (1) whether credential attainment shall be a factor for early release, and (2) credentials and skills that are in demand in the labor market and that lead to quality jobs, including any barriers to equitable access to such quality jobs.

679Sec. 23 sSB881 File No.

679 Sec.

(3) Records of law enforcement agencies not otherwise available to the public which records were compiled in connection with the detection or investigation of crime, if the disclosure of such records would not be in the public interest because it would result in the disclosure of (A) the identity of informants not otherwise known or the identity of witnesses not otherwise known whose safety would be endangered or who would be subject to threat or intimidation if their identity was made known, (B) the identity of minor witnesses, (C) signed statements of witnesses, (D) information to be used in a prospective law enforcement action if prejudicial to such action, (E) investigatory techniques not otherwise known to the general public, (F) arrest records of a juvenile, which shall also include any investigatory files, concerning the arrest of such juvenile, compiled for law enforcement purposes, (G) the name and address of the victim of a sexualLCO assault{\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0024 under section 53a-70, 53a-70a, 53a-71, 53a-72a, 53a-72b or 53a-73a, voyeurism under section 53a-189a, injury or risk of injury,62 orR03-SB.docx impairing} ofSubstitute moralsBill underNo. section 53-21 or family violence, as defined in section 46b-38a, or of an attempt thereof, or (H) uncorroborated allegations subject to destruction pursuant to section 1-216;

(4)881 Recordssexual pertainingassault tounder strategysection and53a-70, negotiations53a-70a, with53a-71, respect53a-72a, to53a-72b pendingor claims53a-73a, orvoyeurism pendingunder litigationsection to53a-189a, whichinjury theor publicrisk agencyof isinjury, aor partyimpairing untilof suchmorals litigationunder section 53-21 or claimfamily hasviolence, beenas finallydefined adjudicatedin section 46b-38a, or sSB881of /an Fileattempt No.thereof, or (H) uncorroborated allegations subject to destruction pursuant to section 1-216;

679(4) 24Records sSB881pertaining Fileto No.strategy and negotiations with respect to pending claims or pending litigation to which the public agency is a party until such litigation or claim has been finally adjudicated or otherwise settled;

679 otherwise settled;

(8)LCO Statements{\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0025 of personal62 worthR03-SB.docx or} personalSubstitute financialBill dataNo. required by a licensing agency and filed by an applicant with such licensing agency to establish the applicant's personal qualification for the license, certificate or permit applied for;

881 (8) Statements of personal worth or personal financial data required by a licensing agency and filed by an applicant with such licensing agency to establish the applicant's personal qualification for the license, certificate or permit applied for;

(10)Records, tax returns,reportsandstatementsexempted by federal law or the general statutes or communications privileged by the sSB881attorney-client /relationship, Filemarital No.relationship,clergy-penitent relationship, doctor-patient relationship, therapist-patient relationship or any other privilege established by the common law or the general statutes, including any such records, tax returns, reports or communications that were created or made prior to the establishment of the applicable privilege under the common law or the general statutes;

679 25 sSB881 File No.

679 attorney-client relationship, marital relationship,clergy-penitent relationship, doctor-patient relationship, therapist-patient relationship or any other privilege established by the common law or the general statutes, including any such records, tax returns, reports or communications that were created or made prior to the establishment of the applicable privilege under the common law or the general statutes;

(15)AnyLCO page{\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0026 ofa primary petition,nominating petition,referendum petition or petition for a town meeting submitted under any provision of the62 generalR03-SB.docx statutes} orSubstitute ofBill anyNo. special act, municipal charter or ordinance, until the required processing and certification of such page has been completed by the official or officials charged with such duty after which time disclosure of such page shall be required;

(16)881 Records(15)Any ofpage complaints,ofa includingprimary informationpetition,nominating compiledpetition,referendum inpetition or petition for a town meeting submitted under any provision of the investigationgeneral thereof,statutes broughtor toof aany special act, municipal healthcharter authorityor pursuantordinance, sSB881until /the Filerequired No.processing and certification of such page has been completed by the official or officials charged with such duty after which time disclosure of such page shall be required;

679(16) 26Records sSB881of Filecomplaints, No.including information compiled in the investigation thereof, brought to a municipal health authority pursuant to chapter 368e or a district department of health pursuant to chapter 368f, until such time as the investigation is concluded or thirty days from the date of receipt of the complaint, whichever occurs first;

679 to chapter 368e or a district department of health pursuant to chapter 368f, until such time as the investigation is concluded or thirty days from the date of receipt of the complaint, whichever occurs first;

(D)LCO Training{\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0027 manualsof prepared62 forR03-SB.docx correctional} institutionsSubstitute andBill facilitiesNo. or Whiting Forensic Hospital facilities that describe, in any manner, security procedures, emergency plans or security equipment;

881 (D) Training manuals prepared for correctional institutions and facilities or Whiting Forensic Hospital facilities that describe, in any manner, security procedures, emergency plans or security equipment;

(F) Minutes or recordings of staff meetings of the Department of Correction or Whiting Forensic Hospital facilities, or portions of such minutes or recordings, that contain or reveal information relating to sSB881security /or Fileother No.records otherwise exempt from disclosure under this subdivision;

679 27 sSB881 File No.

679 security or other records otherwise exempt from disclosure under this subdivision;

and (H)Records(H)Recordsthat that containinformationoncontactsbetween inmates, as defined in section 18-84, and law enforcement officers;

and (C) by the executive director of the Joint Committee on Legislative Management, with respect to records concerning the LegislativeLCO Department.{\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0028 of 62 R03-SB.docx } Substitute Bill No.

As881 usedLegislative inDepartment. this section, "government-owned or leased institutionor facility"includes,but isnot limitedto,aninstitution or facility owned or leased by a public service company, as defined in section 16-1, other than a water company, as defined in section 25-32a, a certified telecommunications provider, as defined in section 16-1, or a municipal utility that furnishes electric or gas service, but does not include an institution or facility owned or leased by the federal government, and "chief executive officer" includes, but is not limited to, an agency head, department head, executive director or chief executive officer.

As used in this section, "government-owned or leased institutionor facility"includes,but isnot limitedto,an institution or facility owned or leased by a public service company, as defined in section 16-1, other than a water company, as defined in section 25-32a, a certified telecommunications provider, as defined in section 16-1, or a municipal utility that furnishes electric or gas service, but does not include an institution or facility owned or leased by the federal government, and "chief executive officer" includes, but is not limited to, an agency head, department head, executive director or chief executive officer.

sSB881(i) /Security Filemanuals No.or reports;

679 28 sSB881 File No.

679 (i) Security manuals or reports;

and (viii) Emergency plans and emergency preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation plans, including plans provided by a person to aLCO state{\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0029 agencyof or62 aR03-SB.docx local} emergencySubstitute managementBill agencyNo. or official;

881 a state agency or a local emergency management agency or official;

(22) The electronic mail address of any person that is obtained by the Department of Transportation in connection with the implementation sSB881or /administration Fileof No.any plan to inform individuals about significant highway or railway incidents;

679 29 sSB881 File No.

679 or administration of any plan to inform individuals about significant highway or railway incidents;

(26) All records obtained during the course of inspection, investigation, examination and audit activities of an institution, as defined in section 19a-490, that are confidential pursuant to a contract between the Department of Public Health and the United States DepartmentLCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0030 of Healthand62 HumanR03-SB.docx Services} relatingSubstitute toBill theMedicareandNo. Medicaid programs;

881 Department of Healthand Human Services relating to theMedicareand Medicaid programs;

(28) Any documentation provided to or obtained by an executive branch agency, including documentation provided or obtained prior to May 25, 2016, relating to claims of faulty or failing concrete foundations sSB881in /residential Filebuildings No.by the owners of such residential buildings, and documents prepared by an executive branch agency relating to such documentation, for seven years after the date of receipt of the documentation or seven years after May 25, 2016, whichever is later;

679 30 sSB881 File No.

679 in residential buildings by the owners of such residential buildings, and documents prepared by an executive branch agency relating to such documentation, for seven years after the date of receipt of the documentation or seven years after May 25, 2016, whichever is later;

(31) Records of or information from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, institutional financial aid for students without legal immigration status established pursuant to section 10a-161d, and applications for admission to institutions of higher education held by any department, board, commission, public institution of higher education or any other agency of thestate, or any local or regional board ofLCO education,{\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0031 including such materials not otherwise protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974,62 20R03-SB.docx USC} 1232g,Substitute asBill amendedNo. from time to time.

881 of education, including such materials not otherwise protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, 20 USC 1232g, as amended from time to time.

(a) The Commissioner of Education, in collaboration with the Board of Regents for Higher Education, shall establish the Connecticut ApprenticeshipandApprenticeshipandEducationCommittee EducationCommittee to coordinate andidentify(1) potential preapprenticeship and apprenticeship training program integration, and (2) leveraged funding identification of career technical education programs within high schools and programs within higher sSB881education /institutions Filefor No.careers in various industries.

679 31 sSB881 File No.

679 education institutions for careers in various industries.

The board shall consist of eleven members and shall include at least the following, (1) two members with experience in manufacturing or a trade offered by the Technical Education and Career System, or who are alumni of the system,LCO (2){\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0032 two members who are executives of Connecticut-based62 employersR03-SB.docx and} whoSubstitute shallBill beNo. nominated by the [Connecticut Employment and Training Commission] Governor's Workforce Council, established pursuant to section 31-3h.

881 system, (2) two members who are executives of Connecticut-based employers and who shall be nominated by the [Connecticut Employment and Training Commission] Governor's Workforce Council, established pursuant to section 31-3h.

Subsection (b) of section 17b-688h of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, sSB8812021): / File No.

679 32 sSB881 File No.

679 2021):

Each report shall contain an evaluation of the operation of the employment services administered by theLabor Department pursuant to this section,including thenumber ofLCO persons{\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0033 whoof receive62 employmentR03-SB.docx services,} theirSubstitute genderBill andNo. outcomes.

881 of persons who receive employment services, their gender and outcomes.

(b) The commissioner shall administer the coordination of all employment and training programs in thestatethe state and shall implement the plan of the [Connecticut Employment and Training Commission] Governor's Workforce Council as approved by the Governor.

The commissioner shall develop and maintain a comprehensive inventory of all employment and training programs in the state, including a listing of all funding sources for each program, the characteristics of the sSB881persons /served, Filea No.description of each program and its results and the identification of areas of program overlap and duplication.

679 33 sSB881 File No.

679 persons served, a description of each program and its results and the identification of areas of program overlap and duplication.

(2)LCO Reviewing{\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0034 all employment and training programs in the state to determine their success in leading to and obtaining the goal of economic62 self-sufficiencyR03-SB.docx and} toSubstitute determineBill ifNo. such programs are serving the needs of Connecticut's workers, employers and economy;

881 (2) Reviewing all employment and training programs in the state to determine their success in leading to and obtaining the goal of economic self-sufficiency and to determine if such programs are serving the needs of Connecticut's workers, employers and economy;

Such implementation shall include (A) developing, in consultation with the regional workforce development boards, a single Connecticut workforce development plan that (i) complies with the provisions of said act and section 31-11p, and (ii) includes comprehensive state performance measures for workforce development activities specified sSB881in /Title FileI No.of the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, P.L.

679 34 sSB881 File No.

679 in Title I of the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, P.L.

(5) Developing and overseeing a plan for the continuous improvementLCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0035 of the62 regionalR03-SB.docx workforce} developmentSubstitute boardsBill establishedNo. pursuant to section 31-3k;

881 improvement of the regional workforce development boards established pursuant to section 31-3k;

(7) Developing a strategy for providing comprehensive services to eligible youths, which strategy shall include developing youth sSB881preapprentice /and Fileapprentice No.programs through, but not limited to, technical education and career schools, and improving linkages between academic and occupational learning and other youth development activities;

679 35 sSB881 File No.

679 preapprentice and apprentice programs through, but not limited to, technical education and career schools, and improving linkages between academic and occupational learning and other youth development activities;

(b) (1) The [commission] council shall consist of twenty-four members,LCO a{\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0036 majority ofwhomshallrepresent businessandindustry and the remainder of whom62 shallR03-SB.docx represent} stateSubstitute andBill localNo. governments, organized labor, education and community based organizations, including a representative of a community action agency, as defined in section 17b-885.

881 members, a majority ofwhomshallrepresent businessandindustry and the remainder of whom shall represent state and local governments, organized labor, education and community based organizations, including a representative of a community action agency, as defined in section 17b-885.

sSB881(c) /[Members Fileappointed No.to the commission prior to June 23, 1999, shall continue to serve on the commission as if they were appointed to the commission as of June 23, 1999.] The [commission] council shall meet no less than once every calendar quarter.

679 36 sSB881 File No.

679 (c) [Members appointed to the commission prior to June 23, 1999, shall continue to serve on the commission as if they were appointed to the commission as of June 23, 1999.] The [commission] council shall meet no less than once every calendar quarter.

Sec.LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0037 of 62 R03-SB.docx } Substitute Bill No.

881 Sec.

The [Connecticut Employment and Training Commission] Governor's Workforce Council, in consultation with the Labor sSB881Department, /the FileDepartment No.of Economic and Community Development and the regional workforce development boards, shall recommend to the Office of Policy and Management and the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to appropriations, budget targets for assisting state employers with their training needs.

679 37 sSB881 File No.

679 Department, the Department of Economic and Community Development and the regional workforce development boards, shall recommend to the Office of Policy and Management and the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to appropriations, budget targets for assisting state employers with their training needs.

For purposes of this section, "incumbent workers"means individuals who are employed in thisstate, butLCO who{\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0038 are in need of additional62 skills,R03-SB.docx training} orSubstitute educationBill inNo. order to upgrade employment.

881 but who are in need of additional skills, training or education in order to upgrade employment.

The [Connecticut Employment and Training Commission] Governor's Workforce Council, in collaboration with the Connecticut Energy Sector Partnership, shall annually solicit and publicize information concerning efforts made by the institutions of higher sSB881education /in Filethis No.state to promote the green technology industry, including the development of new academic degree and certificate programs, courses of instruction and initiatives made by such institutions to align green jobs programs with employer needs.

679 38 sSB881 File No.

679 education in this state to promote the green technology industry, including the development of new academic degree and certificate programs, courses of instruction and initiatives made by such institutions to align green jobs programs with employer needs.

The report card shall, at a minimum, identify for each program the cost, number of individuals entering the program, number of individuals satisfactorily completing the program and the employment placement ratesLCO of{\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0039 those individuals at thirteen and twenty-six-week intervals following completion of the62 programR03-SB.docx or} aSubstitute statementBill asNo. to why such measure is not relevant.

881 rates of those individuals at thirteen and twenty-six-week intervals following completion of the program or a statement as to why such measure is not relevant.

The percentage of such reserved funds that are used for administrative costs sSB881shall /be Fileconsistent No.with the provisions of Section 134(a)(3)(B) of said act.

679 39 sSB881 File No.

679 shall be consistent with the provisions of Section 134(a)(3)(B) of said act.

(a) The [Connecticut Employment and Training Commission] Governor's Workforce Council, in consultation with the regional workforceLCO development{\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0040 boards, shall develop a single Connecticut workforce development plan that outlines a five-year strategy for the state of Connecticut's62 workforceR03-SB.docx development} systemSubstitute andBill meetsNo. the requirements of Sections 111 and 112 of the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, P.L.

881 workforce development boards, shall develop a single Connecticut workforce development plan that outlines a five-year strategy for the state of Connecticut's workforce development system and meets the requirements of Sections 111 and 112 of the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, P.L.

Such goals shall include local control of service delivery, one-stop delivery of services, individual choice for individuals served by the sSB881system, /accountability Filefor No.provider performance, coordination of workforce development activities integrating state and federal resources and the establishment of ties between funding and actual participation in training activities;

679 40 sSB881 File No.

679 system, accountability for provider performance, coordination of workforce development activities integrating state and federal resources and the establishment of ties between funding and actual participation in training activities;

(7)LCO A{\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0041 strategy for assessing types of jobs62 forR03-SB.docx which} thereSubstitute areBill shortagesNo. of available qualified workers and the geographical concentration of unmet workforce needs in this state;

881 (7) A strategy for assessing types of jobs for which there are shortages of available qualified workers and the geographical concentration of unmet workforce needs in this state;

(10) A provision stating that the Labor Commissioner and the Commissioners of Social Services and Education shall develop a coordinated program of referring workforce development participants sSB881to /supportive Fileservices, No.including, but not limited to, transportation and child care services for eligible participants of workforce activities.

679 41 sSB881 File No.

679 to supportive services, including, but not limited to, transportation and child care services for eligible participants of workforce activities.

(A) A uniform individual training accounts voucher system which shall be used by the regional workforce development boards to pay for training of eligible workers by eligible providers and which shall include a reporting system that ties funding to actual participation in training programs, (B) the core services, as identified in subdivision (12) of this subsection, which shall beLCO available{\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0042 to adults or dislocated workers, including exemptions from core services, (C) the intensive services, as identified in subdivision (13) of this62 subsection,R03-SB.docx which} shallSubstitute beBill availableNo. to adults or dislocated workers who have received the maximum amount of core services but were unable to obtain employment through such core services, including prerequisites for obtaining such intensive services and exemptions from such prerequisites, and (D) the training services, as identified in subdivision (14) of this subsection, which shall be available to adults or dislocated workers who have received intensive services, but were unable to obtain unsubsidized employment through such intensive services, including prerequisites for obtaining such training services and exemptions from such prerequisites;

881 be available to adults or dislocated workers, including exemptions from core services, (C) the intensive services, as identified in subdivision (13) of this subsection, which shall be available to adults or dislocated workers who have received the maximum amount of core services but were unable to obtain employment through such core services, including prerequisites for obtaining such intensive services and exemptions from such prerequisites, and (D) the training services, as identified in subdivision (14) of this subsection, which shall be available to adults or dislocated workers who have received intensive services, but were unable to obtain unsubsidized employment through such intensive services, including prerequisites for obtaining such training services and exemptions from such prerequisites;

(B) outreach, intake and sSB881orientation /to Filethe No.information and other services available through the one-stop delivery system;

679 42 sSB881 File No.

679 orientation to the information and other services available through the one-stop delivery system;

113-128, as from time to time amended, provided by program, andLCO eligible{\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0043 providersof youth activities described in Section 123 ofsaid act, eligible providers of adult62 educationR03-SB.docx described} inSubstitute TitleBill IINo. of said act, providers of postsecondary vocational education activities and vocational education activities, which shall include, but not be limited to, preapprentice programs available through, but not limited to, the Technical Education and Career System, available to school dropouts under the Carl D.

881 and eligible providersof youth activities described in Section 123 ofsaid act, eligible providers of adult education described in Title II of said act, providers of postsecondary vocational education activities and vocational education activities, which shall include, but not be limited to, preapprentice programs available through, but not limited to, the Technical Education and Career System, available to school dropouts under the Carl D.

(F) assistance in establishing eligibility for programs of financial aid assistance for sSB881training /and Fileeducation No.programs that are not funded under said act and are available through the local area;

679 43 sSB881 File No.

679 training and education programs that are not funded under said act and are available through the local area;

(13) Identification of intensive services available under the one-stop delivery system, which services may include (A) comprehensive and specializedLCO assessments{\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0044 of the62 skillR03-SB.docx levels} andSubstitute serviceBill needsNo. of adults and dislocated workers, which may include diagnostic testing, use of special education planning and placement teams and use of other assessment tools and in-depth interviewing and evaluation to identify employment barriers and appropriate employment goals;

881 specialized assessments of the skill levels and service needs of adults and dislocated workers, which may include diagnostic testing, use of special education planning and placement teams and use of other assessment tools and in-depth interviewing and evaluation to identify employment barriers and appropriate employment goals;

113-128, as sSB881from /time Fileto No.time amended, that are available under the one-stop delivery system, which services may include a combination of occupational skills training, including training for nontraditional employment, on-the-job training, programs that combine workplace training with related instruction, which may include cooperative education programs, training programs operated by the private sector, skill upgrading and retraining, entrepreneurial training, job readiness training, adult education and literacy activities and customized job training conducted with a commitment by an employer or group of employers to employ an individual upon successful completion of the training;

679(15) 44Development sSB881of Filea uniform system of identifying and certifying eligible providers of the training services described in subdivision (13) of this subsection, which system shall (A) incorporate each of the requirements of Section 122 of the federal Workforce Innovation and LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0045 of 62 R03-SB.docx } Substitute Bill No.

679881 fromOpportunity timeAct to time amended, that are available under the one-stop delivery system, which services may include a combination of occupational2014, skillsP.L. training, including training for nontraditional employment, on-the-job training, programs that combine workplace training with related instruction, which may include cooperative education programs, training programs operated by the private sector, skill upgrading and retraining, entrepreneurial training, job readiness training, adult education and literacy activities and customized job training conducted with a commitment by an employer or group of employers to employ an individual upon successful completion of the training;

(15) Development of a uniform system of identifying and certifying eligible providers of the training services described in subdivision (13) of this subsection, which system shall (A) incorporate each of the requirements of Section 122 of the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, P.L.

and (B) criteria for selection of regional youth council members and awarding youth program grants for state-wide youth activities described in Section129(b)ofthefederalWorkforce InnovationandOpportunityActInnovationand OpportunityAct of 2014, P.L.

sSB881(17) /Development Fileof No.a program to provide job readiness and job search training to unemployed and underemployed noncustodial parents no later than July 1, 2000;

679 45 sSB881 File No.

679 (17) Development of a program to provide job readiness and job search training to unemployed and underemployed noncustodial parents no later than July 1, 2000;

(c) The Governor may submit modifications to the single Connecticut workforce development plan approved by the United States Secretary of Labor as necessary during the five-year period covered by the plan, withLCO the{\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0046 advice and assistance of the62 [ConnecticutR03-SB.docx Employment} andSubstitute TrainingBill Commission]No. Governor's Workforce Council, provided such modifications are (1) approved by the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to appropriations, education, labor and social services, and (2) consistent with the requirements of Sections 111 and 112 of the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, P.L.

881 with the advice and assistance of the [Connecticut Employment and Training Commission] Governor's Workforce Council, provided such modifications are (1) approved by the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to appropriations, education, labor and social services, and (2) consistent with the requirements of Sections 111 and 112 of the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, P.L.

113-128, as from time to time amended, and annually thereafter during any year in which such performance sSB881measures /are Filemodified. No.

679 46 sSB881 File No.

679 measures are modified.

(b) On or before March 15, 2000, the Governor shall submit a single ConnecticutLCO Workforce{\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0047 Development Plan to the United States Secretary of Labor,62 whichR03-SB.docx plan} shallSubstitute satisfyBill theNo. requirements of subsection (a) of this section.

881 Connecticut Workforce Development Plan to the United States Secretary of Labor, which plan shall satisfy the requirements of subsection (a) of this section.

113-128, as from time to time amended, for (1) job-related vocational, literacy, sSB881language /or Filenumerical No.skills training;

679 47 sSB881 File No.

679 language or numerical skills training;

and (6) special grants or contracts in each region for training programs that target workers who are difficult to serve, including, but not limited to, workers (A) with limited literacy or numerical skills, (B) without a high school diploma or its equivalent, or (C)LCO for{\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0048 whomof English62 isR03-SB.docx a} secondSubstitute language.Bill No.

881 (C) for whom English is a second language.

(a) The [Connecticut Employment and Training Commission] sSB881Governor's /Workforce FileCouncil No.shall provide each regional workforce development board with criteria for the evaluation of funded programs, including a description of the amount, type and effectiveness of literacy training provided to participants, the number of persons completing job training, the gender and race of persons who receive training, occupational skill types, the number of persons who enter unsubsidized employment, the number of persons who remain in unsubsidized employment six months later and the earnings received by such persons.

679(b) 48The sSB881[commission] Filecouncil shall develop an education and job training report card to assess the accomplishments of Connecticut's LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0049 of 62 R03-SB.docx } Substitute Bill No.

679881 Governor's Workforce Council shall provide each regional workforce development boardsystem withand criteria for themeeting evaluation of funded programs, including a description of the amount,accountability typerequirements and effectiveness of literacy training provided to participants, the numberfederal ofWorkforce personsInnovation completing job training, the gender and raceOpportunity ofAct persons who receive training, occupational skill types, the number of persons2014, whoP.L. enter unsubsidized employment, the number of persons who remain in unsubsidized employment six months later and the earnings received by such persons.

(b) The [commission] council shall develop an education and job training report card to assess the accomplishments of Connecticut's workforce development system and for meeting the accountability requirements of the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, P.L.

sSB881Sec. / File No.

679 49 sSB881 File No.

679 Sec.

Developing and implementing training programs for the recruitment of businessesLCO to{\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0050 the state and the training or retraining of persons62 inR03-SB.docx the} stateSubstitute toBill achieveNo. the workforce goals established by the [Connecticut Employment and Training Commission] Governor's Workforce Council and the relevant sections of the strategic master plan for higher education developed pursuant to section 10a-11b.

881 businesses to the state and the training or retraining of persons in the state to achieve the workforce goals established by the [Connecticut Employment and Training Commission] Governor's Workforce Council and the relevant sections of the strategic master plan for higher education developed pursuant to section 10a-11b.

(a) The Labor Commissioner, the Commissioner of Economic and sSB881Community /Development, Fileworking with the Office of Workforce [Competitiveness] Strategy, the Commissioners of Education and Social Services, the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management and the president of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, in consultation with the superintendent of the Technical Education and Career System and one member of industry representing each of the economic clusters identified by the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development pursuant to section 32-1m shall (1) review, evaluate and, as necessary, recommend improvements for certification and degree programs offered by the Technical Education and Career LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0051 of 62 R03-SB.docx } Substitute Bill No.

679881 50System sSB881and Filethe No.community-technical college system to ensure that such programs meet the employment needs of business and industry, and (2) develop strategies to strengthen the linkage between skill standards for education and training and the employment needs of business and industry.

679 Community Development, working with the Office of Workforce [Competitiveness] Strategy, the Commissioners of Education and Social Services, the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management and the president of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, in consultation with the superintendent of the Technical Education and Career System and one member of industry representing each of the economic clusters identified by the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development pursuant to section 32-1m shall (1) review, evaluate and, as necessary, recommend improvements for certification and degree programs offered by the Technical Education and Career System and the community-technical college system to ensure that such programs meet the employment needs of business and industry, and (2) develop strategies to strengthen the linkage between skill standards for education and training and the employment needs of business and industry.

Within available appropriations, the Office of Workforce sSB881[Competitiveness]Strategy,withinthe /[Labor]Department FileofEconomic No.and Community Development, may establish a pilot program to provide any eligible individual with a minor dependent access to training in order to obtain skills and credentials necessary to obtain and maintain employment.

679 51 sSB881 File No.

679 [Competitiveness]Strategy,withinthe [Labor]Department ofEconomic and Community Development, may establish a pilot program to provide any eligible individual with a minor dependent access to training in order to obtain skills and credentials necessary to obtain and maintain employment.

For purposes of this section, an eligible individual is an individual who would qualify for benefits under the temporary assistanceLCO for{\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0052 needyof families62 programR03-SB.docx pursuant} toSubstitute TitleBill IV-ANo. of the Social Security Act.

881 assistance for needy families program pursuant to Title IV-A of the Social Security Act.

Private sector specialists who donate their services may be permitted to offer instruction in existing or specially designed curricula, provided no private sector specialist shall be permitted to work more thanone-halfofthemaximumclassroomhoursofafull-time certified teacher, and provided further no private sector specialist teaching in an area identified by the Labor Commissioner and the Office sSB881of /Workforce File[Competitiveness] No.Strategy pursuant to section 4-124w shall have sole responsibility for a classroom.

679 52 sSB881 File No.

679 of Workforce [Competitiveness] Strategy pursuant to section 4-124w shall have sole responsibility for a classroom.

Sec.LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0053 of 62 R03-SB.docx } Substitute Bill No.

881 Sec.

(b) The president of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, in consultation with the [Labor Department's] Office of Workforce [Competitiveness] Strategy, the Department of Education, the Department of Social Services, Charter Oak State College, early childhood education faculty at two and four-year public and independentinstitutionsofhighereducation,earlychildhoodeducation sSB881professional /associations, Fileearly No.childhood education advocates and practitioners, and persons knowledgeable in the area of career development andprogramsinearly childhoodcare andeducation,shall define the preservice and minimum training requirements and competencies for persons involved in early childhood education, from birth to five years of age, including requirements for individual levels of early childhood credentialing and licensing.

679LCO 53{\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0054 sSB881of File62 R03-SB.docx } Substitute Bill No.

679881 professionalSec. associations, early childhood education advocates and practitioners, and persons knowledgeable in the area of career development andprogramsinearly childhoodcare andeducation,shall define the preservice and minimum training requirements and competencies for persons involved in early childhood education, from birth to five years of age, including requirements for individual levels of early childhood credentialing and licensing.

Sec.

Any order or regulation of the Office of Workforce [Competitiveness] Strategy affecting the functions, powers, duties and obligations set forth in this section and sections 4-124w, as amended by this act, 4-124z, as amended by this act, 4-124ff, 4-124gg, as amended by this act, 4-124hh, 4-124tt, as amended by this act,act and 4-124vv, as amended by this act,act which is in force on July 1, 2011, shall continue in force and effect as an order or regulation of the [Labor Department] Department of Economic and Community Development until amended, repealed or superseded pursuant to law.

Where any orders or regulations of said office and said department conflict, the [Labor] Commissioner of Economic and Community Development may implement policies and procedures consistent with the provisions of this section and sections 4-124w, as amended by this act, 4-124z, as amended by this act, 4-124ff, 4-124gg, as amended by this act, 4-124hh, 4-124tt, as amended by this act, 4-124vv, as amended by this act, 10-95h, 10a-11b, 10a-19d, as amended by this sSB881act, /31-3h, Fileas No.amended by this act and 31-3k while in the process of adopting the policy or procedure in regulation form, provided notice of intention to adopt regulations is printed in the Connecticut Law Journal not later than twenty days after implementation.

679 54 sSB881 File No.

679 act, 31-3h, as amended by this act, and 31-3k while in the process of adopting the policy or procedure in regulation form, provided notice of intention to adopt regulations is printed in the Connecticut Law Journal not later than twenty days after implementation.

Subsection (b) of section 31-3rr of the general statutes is repealedLCO and{\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0055 theof following62 isR03-SB.docx substituted} inSubstitute lieuBill thereofNo. (Effective July 1, 2021):

881 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2021):

sSB881(2) /Within Fileexisting resources and consistent with the state employmentandtraininginformationsystemandanyguidelinesissued by the commissioner under subsection (b) of section 31-2, (A) assess regional needs and identify regional priorities for employment and training programs, including, but not limited to, an assessment of the LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0056 of 62 R03-SB.docx } Substitute Bill No.

679881 55special sSB881employment Fileneeds No.of unskilled and low-skilled unemployed persons, including persons receiving state-administered general assistance or short-term unemployment assistance, (B) conduct planning for regional employment and training programs, (C) coordinate such programs to ensure that the programs respond to the needs of labor, business and industry, municipalities within the region, the region as a whole, and all of its citizens, (D) serve as a clearinghouse for information on all employment and training programs in the region, (E) prepare and submit an annual plan containing the board's priorities and goals for regional employment and training programs to the commissioner and the [commission] council for their review and approval, (F) review grant proposals and plans submitted to state agencies for employment and training programs that directly affect the region to determine whether such proposals and plans are consistent with the annual regional plan prepared under subparagraph (E) of this subdivision and inform the [commission] council and each state agency concerned of the results of the review, (G) evaluate the effectiveness of employment and training programs within the region in meeting the goals contained in the annual regional plan prepared under subparagraph (E) of this subdivision and report its findings to the commissioner and the [commission] council on an annual basis, (H) ensure the effective use of available employment and training resources in the region, and (I) allocate funds where applicable for program operations in the region.

679(3) (2)Provide Withininformation existingto resources and consistent with the state employmentandtraininginformationsystemandanyguidelinesissued by the commissioner underconcerning subsection (b) of section 31-2, (A) assessall regional needs and identify regional priorities for employment and training programs, including,grants but not limited to, an assessment of the special employment needs of unskilled and low-skilled unemployed persons, including persons receiving state-administered general assistance or short-termfunds unemployment assistance, (B) conduct planning for regional employment and training programs, (C) coordinate such programs to ensurebe thateffective theor programsavailable respondin to the needs of labor, business and industry, municipalities within the region, the region as a whole, and all of its citizens, (D) serve as a clearinghouse for information on all employment and training programs in the region,following (E)program prepareyear, and(B) submit an annual plan containing the board'ssource priorities and goalspurpose forof regionalsuch employmentprograms, andgrants trainingor programsfunds, to(C) the commissionerprojected andamount theof [commission]such councilprograms, forgrants theiror reviewfunds, and(D) approval,persons, (F)organizations review grant proposals and plansinstitutions submittedeligible to stateparticipate agenciesin forsuch employment and training programs thator directlyreceive affect the region to determine whether such proposalsgrants andor plansfunds, are consistent with the annual regional plan prepared under subparagraph (E) characteristics of thisclients subdivisioneligible andto informreceive theservices [commission]pursuant councilto andsuch eachprograms, stategrants agencyor concernedfunds, of(F) the resultsrange of theservices review,available (G)pursuant evaluateto thesuch effectivenessprograms, ofgrants employmentor andfunds, training(G) programs within the region in meeting the goals contained in the annual regional plan prepared under subparagraph (E) of thissuch subdivisionprograms, andgrants reportor itsfunds, findings(H) towhere theapplicable, commissionerschedules andfor theLCO [commission]{\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0057 council on an annual basis, (H) ensure the effective use of available62 employmentR03-SB.docx and} trainingSubstitute resourcesBill inNo. the region, and (I) allocate funds where applicable for program operations in the region.

(3)881 Providesubmitting informationrequests tofor theproposals, commissionerplanning concerninginstructions, (A)proposals all employment and trainingplans, programs,in grantsconnection orwith fundssuch toprograms, begrants effective or availablefunds, in(I) the region in the following program year,period (B)for the source and purpose of such programs, grants or funds, (C)and the(J) projectedany amountother ofdata relating to such programs, grants or funds,funds (D)that persons,the organizationscommissioner andor institutionsthe eligible[commission] tocouncil participatedeems inessential suchfor programseffective orstate receiveplanning. such sSB881 / File No.

679 56 sSB881 File No.

679 grants or funds, (E) characteristics of clients eligible to receive services pursuant to such programs, grants or funds, (F) the range of services available pursuant to such programs, grants or funds, (G) goals of such programs, grants or funds, (H) where applicable, schedules for submitting requests for proposals, planning instructions, proposals and plans, in connection with such programs, grants or funds, (I) the program period for such programs, grants or funds, and (J) any other data relating to such programs, grants or funds that the commissioner or the [commission] council deems essential for effective state planning.

Section 31-3m of the general statutes is repealed and the sSB881following /is Filesubstituted No.in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2021):

679Not 57later sSB881than FileJuly 1, 1992, and annually thereafter, the Governor LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0058 of 62 R03-SB.docx } Substitute Bill No.

679881 followingshall isdesignate substitutedappropriate instate lieuagencies thereofas (Effectiveagencies Julyinvolved 1,in 2021):employment and training.

Not later than July 1, 1992, and annually thereafter, the Governor shall designate appropriate state agencies as agencies involved in employment and training.

(b) The commissioner, acting through the [commission] council, shall sSB881facilitate /communication Fileand No.exchange of information between the boards and state agencies involved in employment and training.

679LCO 58{\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-00859 sSB881of File62 R03-SB.docx } Substitute Bill No.

679881 facilitate(c) communicationThe andcommissioner exchangeshall ofdistribute all information betweenreceived under the boardsprovisions andof statesections agencies31-3j involvedto 31-3r, inclusive, to the [commission] council in employmentorder to ensure that the review and training.coordination duties of the [commission] council are effectively carried out.

(c) The commissioner shall distribute all information received under the provisions of sections 31-3j to 31-3r, inclusive, to the [commission] council in order to ensure that the review and coordination duties of the [commission] council are effectively carried out.

In any case where a board, after review, determines that a grant sSB881proposal /or Fileplan submitted to a state agency involved in employment and training is inconsistent with the board's annual regional plan LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0060 of 62 R03-SB.docx } Substitute Bill No.

679881 59prepared sSB881pursuant Fileto No.subparagraph (E) of subdivision (2) of subsection (b) of section 31-3k, the board shall notify the agency in writing of its determinationandmayrequestaresponsefromtheagency.Theagency, if so requested, shall respond to the inconsistency noted by the board and shall make every effort to resolve the issues involved.

679 proposal or plan submitted to a state agency involved in employment and training is inconsistent with the board's annual regional plan prepared pursuant to subparagraph (E) of subdivision (2) of subsection (b) of section 31-3k, the board shall notify the agency in writing of its determinationandmayrequestaresponsefromtheagency.Theagency, if so requested, shall respond to the inconsistency noted by the board and shall make every effort to resolve the issues involved.

2 July 1, 2021 New section July 1, 2021 Sec.

3 July 1, 2021 New section Sec.

8 July 1, 2021 31-225a(j) sSB881Sec. / File No.

679 60 sSB881 File No.

679 Sec.

10 July 1, 2021 New section Sec.LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-00881- 61 of 62 R03-SB.docx } Substitute Bill No.

881 Sec.

12 October 1, 2022 10a-223 July 1, 2021 Sec.

13 July 1, 2021 New section Sec.

14 July 1, 2021 New section July 1, 2021 Sec.

15 July 1, 2021 New section Sec.

19 July 1, 2021 17b-688h(b) July 1, 2021 Sec.

20 July 1, 2021 17b-688i(c) Sec.

21 July 1, 2021 31-2(b) and (c) July 1, 2021 Sec.

22 July 1, 2021 31-3h Sec.

49 July 1, 2021 31-2d sSB881Sec. / File No.

67950 61July sSB8811, File2021 31-3rr(b) LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-00881- 62 of 63 R03-SB.docx } Substitute Bill No.

679881 Sec.

50 July 1, 2021 31-3rr(b) Sec.

56 July 1, 2021 31-3q July 1, 2021 Sec.

57 July 1, 2021 Repealer section Sec.

sSB881APP /Joint FileFavorable No.LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-00881- 63 of 63 R03-SB.docx }

679 62 sSB881 File No.

679 The following Fiscal Impact Statement and Bill Analysis are prepared for the benefit of the members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and explanation and do not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber thereof for any purpose.

In general, fiscal impacts are based upon a variety of informational sources, including the analyst’s professional knowledge.

Whenever applicable, agency data is consulted as part of the analysis, however final products do not necessarily reflect an assessment from any specific department.

OFA Fiscal Note State Impact:

Agency Affected Fund-Effect FY 22 $ FY 23 $ Labor Dept.

GF - Cost None 314,093 State Comptroller - Fringe GF - Cost None 31,110 Benefits1 Department of Economic & GF - See Below See Below See Below Community Development Department of Transportation TF - See Below See Below See Below Board of Regents for Higher Various - None See Below Education Potential Revenue Gain Note:

GF=General Fund;

TF=Transportation Fund;

Various=Various Municipal Impact:

None Explanation The bill, which creates new programs and policies affecting workforce training, postsecondary education, and public transportation, results in the following fiscal impacts:

Sections 1 and 41-50 eliminate the Office of Workforce Competitiveness (OWC) and replace it with an Office of Workforce Strategy (OWS).

sHB 6439, the FY 22 and FY 23 budget bill, as favorably reported by the Appropriations Committee, appropriated $250,000 in FY 22 and FY 23 to support the functions of the OWS.

Section 2 establishes a new CareerConneCT account in the General 1The fringe benefit costs for most state employees are budgeted centrally in accounts administered by the Comptroller.

The estimated active employee fringe benefit cost associated with most personnel changes is 41.3% of payroll in FY 22 and FY 23.

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The Governor's proposed bond bill (GB 887) includes $20 million of new General Obligation bond authorizations in each of FY 22 and FY 23 for the CareerConneCT program.

The impact oftheproposedchange inauthorizationinGB887 will be discussed in the relevant bill's fiscal note, if applicable.

Section 8 establishes new reporting requirements for businesses subject to the state's unemployment insurance (UI) law.

This results in a cost to the Department of Labor of $345,203 in FY 23 (including a one- time cost of $235,000 for a third-party vendor to execute necessary technical upgrades to the UI administration system), $255,402 in FY 24, and $481,947 in FY 25.

These costs include salary and fringe benefits for various full- and part-time/durational positions to manage/implement the project, as well as associated overhead costs (computers, office supplies, etc.).

Section 11 requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish the CTpass program by January 1, 2022, to allow individuals in an approved class for an eligible organization to use certain public transit services without cost or at a reduced cost.

Under this section, DOT may enter into negotiated agreements with eligible organizations, which shall include terms and conditions outlining (1) the amount of compensation or reimbursement deemed necessary by DOT to ensure that transit expenditures do not increase as a result and (2) that the agreements cover any DOT administrative costs incurred in operating the program.

This section limits the length of contracts, in part, to ensure that reimbursement rates are sufficient to prevent any DOT expenditure growth.

To the extent that these agreements are structured to prevent additional DOT transit or administrative costs, as required in the bill, this section is not expected to result in a cost to DOT.

Section 12 expands, beginning in FY 23, Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority (CHESLA) loan eligibility to enrollment ina high-value certificate programthat isnoncredit andsub- baccalaureate.

To the extent that this provision results in an enrollment increase for these programs, the Board of Regents may experience a sSB881 / File No.

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In FY 19, 3,670 people received a noncredit, sub-baccalaureate certificate from the Board of Regents (not specific to "high-value" programs).

The Out Years The annualized ongoing fiscal impact identified above would continue intothefuture subject to inflation.

The cost impactstotheDOL are limited to FY 25 and earlier, as described above.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS:

SUMMARY §§ 1 & 41-50 — OFFICE OF WORKFORCE STRATEGY Eliminates OWC and replaces it with a new OWS, headed by a chief workforce officer;

generally transfers to the chief workforce officer the workforce development-related functions and duties currently assigned to the labor commissioner and OWC;

and establishes additional duties and reporting requirements § 2 — CAREERCONNECT ACCOUNT Establishes a new CareerConneCT account in the General Fund to fund workforce training programs;

requires the chief workforce officer to report to the legislature and governor on these programs and the individuals they served §§ 3 & 4 — CREDENTIALS DATABASE Requires OHE to create a database of the credentials offered in Connecticut;

beginning by July 1, 2024, requires specified institutions and training providers to submit information about the credentials they offer to be included in the database;

requires OWS to establish standards to designate certain credentials as “credentials of value” §§ 5 & 6 — HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRAM APPROVALS Allows eligible higher education institutions to apply to OWS for additional program approval exemptions beyond those allowed under current law;

terminates reporting requirements for BOR and BOT on new programs and program changes they approve for their respective institutions § 7 — PRIVATE OCCUPATIONAL SCHOOL AND ARC PROGRAM STUDENT DATA Requires each private occupational school and ARC program provider to submit specified data to OHE on each of their enrolled students;

prohibits OHE from releasing to the public any of this identifiable student information § 8 — QUARTERLY REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS Requires employers subject to the state’s unemployment law to report certain data about each employee in their quarterly wage reports to DOL;

requires personally identifiable employee data to be kept confidential, but allows nonidentifiable data to be shared for specified purposes § 9 — DISCLOSURE OF TAX RETURN INFORMATION FOR CP20 WIN DATA REQUESTS sSB881 / File No.

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679 Authorizes DRS to release tax return information for evaluation or research purposes under specified conditions § 10 — RECORDS PROTECTION FOR UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS Prohibits the sharing of student financial aid applications with federal immigration authorities § 11 — CTPASS PROGRAM Establishes the CTpass program by January 1, 2022, to allow certain individuals in an approved class to use certain public transit services for free or at low cost §§ 12 & 13 — CHESLA LOAN AND AWARD ELIGIBILITY FOR CERTIFICATE PROGRAM ENROLLMENT Allows certain students or their parents to take out student loans and receive certain financial aid with CHESLA to enroll in certificate programs and requires CHESLA to establish an account to fund and operate certain loans § 14 — CREDENTIALS AND SKILLS REPORT Requires the chief workforce officer to submit a biennial report on certain credentials and skills, starting by September 1, 2022 § 15 — WORKFORCE TRAINING AND CREDENTIAL ATTAINMENT FOR INCARCERATED INDIVIDUALS Requires the chief workforce officer, correction and labor commissioners, and OPM undersecretary for criminal justice, to report their recommendations for improving workforce training and credential attainment for incarcerated individuals § 16 — FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT EXEMPTIONS Exempts specified student and employee records from disclosure under FOIA §§ 17-40 & 51-56 — GOVERNOR’S WORKFORCE COUNCIL RenamestheConnecticutEmploymentandTrainingCommissiontheGovernor’sWorkforce Council §§ 57 & 58 — REPEALERS Repeals certain laws on certificate programs BACKGROUND SUMMARY This bill creates new programs and policies affecting workforce training, postsecondary education, and public transportation as part of a statewide workforce strategy.

Among other things, the bill creates a new Office of Workforce Strategy to develop a statewide workforce strategy and coordinate the (1) funding of workforce training programs and (2) measurement and evaluation of education and workforce development program sSB881 / File No.

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679 outcomes.

It also tasks the Office of Higher Education (OHE) with creating a database of credentials offered in Connecticut to promote degrees, certificates, certifications, government licenses, apprenticeships, andjobtraining programs.The billalso adjustsvarious reporting requirements by higher education institutions and employers to inform the statewide workforce strategy.

The bill also creates a new bulk pass, reduced-rate public transportation program for riders affiliated with certain education and employment training programs (i.e., employees, clients, students, or customersofatrainingprogram,alternateroutetocertificationprogram provider, higher education institution, private occupational school, employer, state or municipal agency, and public nonprofit social service provider).

EFFECTIVE DATE:

July 1, 2021, unless otherwise noted below.

§§ 1 & 41-50 — OFFICE OF WORKFORCE STRATEGY Eliminates OWC and replaces it with a new OWS, headed by a chief workforce officer;

generally transfers to the chief workforce officer the workforce development-related functions and duties currently assigned to the labor commissioner and OWC;

and establishes additional duties and reporting requirements The bill eliminates the Office of Workforce Competitiveness (OWC) within the Department of Labor (DOL) and replaces it with a new Office of Workforce Strategy (OWS).

The bill places OWS within the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) for administrative purposes only.

Under the bill, OWS is headed by a chief workforce officer appointed by the governor with confirmation by both the House and Senate.

The governor must appoint someone (1) knowledgeable about public sector workforce training programs and (2) with the training and experience to perform the duties described below.

The chief workforce officer reports directly to the governor.

The bill transfers to the chief workforce officer the workforce development-related functions and duties that are currently assignedtothelabor commissioner andOWC, including those described below.

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Chief Workforce Officer’s Functions and Duties Lead Official and Principal Advisor on Workforce Policy.

Under current law, DOL serves as the lead state agency for developing employment and training strategies and initiatives needed to support Connecticut’s position in the knowledge economy.

The DOL commissioner, with OWC’s assistance, serves as the governor’s principal workforce development policy advisor and the liaison with local, state, and federal workforce development agencies.

He coordinates (1) the state’s implementation of the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (WIOA) (see BACKGROUND) and (2) state agencies’ workforce development activities.

The bill generally transfers these functions and duties to the chief workforce officer, designating him or her as the (1) lead state official for developing employment and training strategies and initiatives and (2) governor’s principal advisor for workforce development policy, strategy, and coordination.

The bill requires the chief workforce officer to coordinate the state plan, budget, and implementation of WIOA and issue guidance to this effect.

He or she must do so on behalf of the governor andGovernor’sWorkforce Council(i.e., currently, alsoknown as the Connecticut Employment and Training Commission (CETC);

see §§ 17-40 & 51-56 below), and in consultation with the DOL commissioner, who must offer any resources he can make available for this purpose.

Under the bill, the chief workforce officer must additionally serve as the liaison with the Governor’s Workforce Council and regional workforce development entities.

Workforce Cabinet.

The bill requires the chief workforce officer to chair a Workforce Cabinet comprising the state agencies involved in employment and training.

(Existing law requires the governor to designate these agencies and requires their department heads to annually report specified information on the programs offered.) The bill sSB881 / File No.

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679 requires the Workforce Cabinet to meet at the direction of the governor or chief workforce officer.

Governor’s Workforce Council.

OWS must (1) provide staff support, and any other resources the chief workforce officer can make available, to the Governor’s Workforce Council and (2) coordinate all necessary support that the council may need and that other state agencies make available.

State Workforce Strategy.

The bill requires the chief workforce officer to develop a state workforce strategy and update it as necessary.

The strategy must be developed in consultation with the Governor’s Workforce Council and the Workforce Cabinet and approved by the governor.

State and WIOA-Funded Programs.

Under the bill, the chief workforce officer must coordinate and align (1) each workforce development activity funded by the state through WIOA funds and (2) any state grant programs administered by, or in collaboration with, a state agency to further the goals and outcomes of the state workforce strategy and the Governor’s Workforce Council’s workforce development plan.

Public, Legislative, and Local Official Involvement.

The bill transfers to the chief workforce officer the requirement to establish systems to ensure the maximum involvement of the public, legislature, and local officials in workforce development policy, strategy, and coordination.

In doing so, it eliminates the current requirement that this involvement extend to the state’s implementation of WIOA.

Contractual Agreements.

The bill transfers to the chief workforce officer the authorization to enter into contractual agreements to carry out OWS’s purposes, but it requires him or her to do so in conjunction with one or more state agencies and with the Office of Policy and Management (OPM) secretary’s approval.

Agency Guidance.

The bill requires the chief workforce officer to (1) sSB881 / File No.

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This guidance must (1) comply with state and federal laws, (2) be approved by the OPM secretary, and (3) take effect at least 14 days after OPM approves it.

Other Duties.

The chief workforce officer must also:

1.

collaborate with the regional workforce development boards to adapt the best practices for workforce development for statewide implementation, if possible;

2.

together with state agencies, including DOL, the State Department of Education (SDE), and OPM, coordinate the measurement and evaluation of education and workforce development program outcomes;

3.

review the WIOA state plan (which outlines Connecticut’s four- year workforce development strategy) for each of the workforce development system’s core programs, before the plan is submitted to the governor;

4.

market and communicate the state workforce strategy to ensure maximum engagement with students, trainees, job seekers, and businesses, and elevate the state’s national workforce profile;

5.

identify subject areas, courses, curriculum, content, and programs that may be offered to students in primary and secondary school to improve student outcomes and meet the state’s workforce needs (for identifying academic programs for which private sector specialists may donate their teaching services under existing law);

and 6.

in consultation with DOL, coordinate with regional workforce development boards and community action agencies to ensure compliance with state and federal laws in order to expand the service capabilities of programs offered under WIOA and the sSB881 / File No.

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DOL’s American Job Center system.

Workforce Data Current law authorizes DOL, with OWC’s assistance, to ask any state office, department, board, commission, or agency to provide reports, information, and assistance that is necessary or appropriate for DOL to carry out its duties and requirements.

The bill (1) transfers this authorization to the chief workforce officer;

(2) expands it by allowing him or her to request data, in addition to reports, information, and assistance, from these agencies and entities;

and (3) explicitly allows the officer to make the requests to public colleges and universities.

However, the bill requires that any data requests from an agency participating in CP20 WIN be submitted through CP20 WIN according to its established policies and procedures (see BACKGROUND).

Annual Report to the Legislature Each year, beginning by October 1, 2022, the bill requires the chief workforce officer to submit a report on the states’ workforce development to the governor and Higher Education and Employment Advancement, Education, Commerce, and Labor and Public Employees committees.

At a minimum, the report must include information on OWS’s programs and the number, demographics, and outcomes of people they serve.

The bill also eliminates the current requirement that DOL annually report to the legislature on its two- and five-year forecast of workforce shortages by occupation.

§ 2 — CAREERCONNECT ACCOUNT Establishes a new CareerConneCT account in the General Fund to fund workforce training programs;

requires the chief workforce officer to report to the legislature and governor on these programs and the individuals they served The bill establishes the “CareerConneCT account” as a separate, nonlapsing General Fund account and requires DECD to use it to fund workforce training programs that OWS recommends.

The bill requires the account to contain any moneys the law requires to be deposited in it.

(SB 887 of the current session authorizes $20 million in general sSB881 / File No.

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679 obligation bonds in each year of the next biennium for CareerConneCT workforce training programs.) Under the bill, the chief workforce officer, in coordination with the DOL commissioner and regional workforce development boards, must ensure that participants in any workforce training program funded through the CareerConneCT account also enroll in any federally funded workforce development program.

Annually, beginning by October 1, 2022, and ending October 1, 2024, the chief workforce officer must report to the governor and Higher Education and Employment Advancement, Education, Commerce, Labor and Public Employees committees on the workforce training programs funded through this account.

The report must, at a minimum, provideinformationonthenumber,demographics,andoutcomesofthe individuals served by these programs.

§§ 3 & 4 — CREDENTIALS DATABASE Requires OHE to create a database of the credentials offered in Connecticut;

beginning by July 1, 2024, requires specified institutions and training providers to submit information about the credentials they offer to be included in the database;

requires OWS to establish standards to designate certain credentials as “credentials of value” Credentials Database By January 1, 2023, OHE’s executive director, in consultation with the advisory council described below, must create a database of the credentials offered in Connecticut.

Under the bill, a “credential” is a documented award issued by an authorized body.

It includes the following:

1.

degrees or certificates awarded by colleges and universities, private occupational schools, or State Board of Education (SBE)- approved alternate route to certification (ARC) program providers;

2.

certifications awarded through an examination process designed to demonstrate that an individual has the knowledge, skill, and ability to perform a specific job;

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government licenses that allow someone to practice a specific occupation based on predetermined qualifications;

and 4.

documented completion of an apprenticeship or job training program.

The database must explain the skills and competencies earned through a credential in uniform terms and plain language.

In creating the database, the executive director must use the (1) minimum data policy established by the New England Board of Higher Education’s (NEBHE) High Value Credentials for New England initiative and (2) uniform terms, descriptions, and standards for comparing and linking credentials in Credential Engine’s Credential Transparency Description Language-Achievement Standards Network (see BACKGROUND).

Thedatabasemust,ataminimum,includethefollowingdataforeach credential:

1.

name and type of credential being offered and its credential statustype (i.e., active,deprecated,probationary,or superseded);

2.

entity that owns or offers the credential;

3.

a short description of the credential and the language in which it is offered;

4.

a website that provides related information;

5.

estimated cost and duration for completion;

6.

the industry related to the credential, which may include its code under the North American Industry Classification System;

7.

the occupation related to the credential (e.g., its North American Industry Classification code or U.S.

Bureau of Labor Statistics standard occupational classification system code);

and 8.

a listing of online or physical locations where it is offered.

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The advisory council must include the state’s chief data officer and representatives from OWS, OHE, OPM, DOL, SDE, the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, UConn, and independent higher education institutions.

The chief workforce officer, chief data officer, and OHE executive director, or their designees, must cochair the council, appoint its members, and schedule meetings.

Requirement to Submit Credential Information Annually, beginning by July 1, 2024, the bill requires specified institutions and training providers to submit information about the credentials they offer to be included in the database.

Specifically, this requirement applies to each higher education institution, private occupational school, SBE-approved ARC program provider, and training program provider listed on DOL’s Eligible Training Provider List, excluding any state agencies or departments.

Each of these entities must submit the information in the form and manner the OHE executive director prescribes, including the data described above.

Higher education institutions, however, may omit the industry code data for any credentials for which it is not applicable.

The bill also authorizes DOL, in consultation with the advisory council, to require any pre-apprenticeship or apprenticeship program sponsor to submit information about its program to OHE for inclusion in the database.

Credentials of Value The bill requires OWS to establish standards to designate certain credentials as “credentials of value.” These standards may include (1) meeting theworkforceneedsofConnecticut’semployers,(2)enrollment and completion rates, (3) net cost, (4) whether the credential transfers to or stacks onto another credential of value, (5) duration until completion, and (6) types of employment opportunities and earnings available upon completion.

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§§ 5 & 6 — HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRAM APPROVALS Allows eligible higher education institutions to apply to OWS for additional program approval exemptions beyond those allowed under current law;

terminates reporting requirements for BOR and BOT on new programs and program changes they approve for their respective institutions Current law exempts qualifying independent colleges and universities from OHE’s approval process for up to 12 new higher education programs per academic year and any modifications to their existing programs.

Institutions qualify for this exemption if they:

1.

are eligible to participate in the Federal Family Education Loan program;

2.

have a financial responsibility score of at least 1.5, as determined by the U.S.

Department of Education (this score reflects the overall relative financial health of institutions);

and 3.

have been located in Connecticut and accredited as a degree- granting institution in good standing for at least 10 years by a federally recognized regional accrediting association.

The bill allows these eligible institutions to apply to OWS for additional exemptions beyond the 12 per academic year allowed under current law.

OWS may waive the program approval requirement for any new program if it determines that the program aligns with and furthers the goals of the state workforce strategy approved by the governor.

The bill terminates, on June 30, 2024, the requirement that these exempt institutions annually file with OHE a list and description of any new programs introduced, and any existing programs discontinued, in the preceding academic year.

As under existing law, the institutions must continue to annually file their (1) program approval process and all actions their respective governing boards took concerning new program approvals, and (2) financial responsibility composite score.

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(In doing so, however, it retains an existing requirement that BOR notify OHE of new and modified programs.) By law, BOR reviews and approvesrecommendations to establish new academic programs for the universities within the Connecticut State University System, the community colleges, and Charter Oak State College, and BOT does so for UConn.

§ 7 — PRIVATE OCCUPATIONAL SCHOOL AND ARC PROGRAM STUDENT DATA Requires each private occupational school and ARC program provider to submit specified data to OHE on each of their enrolled students;

prohibits OHE from releasing to the public any of this identifiable student information By January 1, 2023, the bill requires each private occupational school and SBE-approved ARC program provider to submit to OHE specified data on each of their enrolled students.

The data must include course enrollment;