HB2470 H I&L AM #1 1-22

Reed 3255

The Committee on Industry and Labor moved to amend the bill on page 1, by striking everything after the enacting clause, and inserting in lieu thereof the following:

“CHAPTER 21. LABOR.

§21-1E-1. Declaration of purpose.

The provisions of this article are intended to facilitate certification and/or licensure for workers who acquire training via career technical education provided by West Virginia public schools, apprenticeship programs, or an employer-sponsored training program.

§21-1E-2. Definitions.

As used in this article and the legislative rules promulgated pursuant to this article:

“Apprenticeship program” means a plan containing all terms and conditions for the qualification, recruitment, selection, employment and training of apprentices, as required under 29 CFR parts 29 and 30, including such matters as the requirement for a written apprenticeship agreement.

“Employer-sponsored training program” means a training program provided by a licensed employer approved in accordance with a rule promulgated by the Commissioner of Labor.

“License” means a valid and current license issued by the Commissioner of Labor in accordance with the provisions of this article.

“Career technical education” means programs of study, clusters, and pathways approved by the West Virginia Board of Education pursuant to state board policy.

Beginning July 1, 2019, applicants for certification or licensure shall be permitted to apply training hours earned via career technical education provided by West Virginia public schools, apprenticeship programs or employer-sponsored training programs towards the requirements for certification and/or licensure in the same occupation in accordance with the standards and procedures authorized in accordance with this article.

(a) The Department of Education shall coordinate with the Division of Labor and Workforce West Virginia to create a list of existing apprenticeship programs and employer-sponsored training programs throughout the state, as well as a list of certifications and other credentials that reflect current workforce needs, to educate and prepare high school students regarding career and technical education (CTE) opportunities and careers following graduation.

(b) Each county school district annually shall provide each student, beginning in the ninth grade, with the following information:

(1) Career and technical education programs within the district and adjoining districts; and

(2) The EDGE program, established by §18-3-1 et seq. of this code, which provides the opportunity for the student to obtain dual credits that count toward the high school graduation requirements, as well as to count toward the student’s achievement of a certificate or Associate Degree.

(3) A list of apprenticeship programs and employer-sponsored training programs created pursuant to subsection (a) of this section.

(4) A list of certificates and credentials created pursuant to subsection (a) of this section.

(5) Details regarding enlistment and opportunities within the armed forces, including local recruiter contact information.

The Commissioner of Labor shall propose rules for legislative approval, in accordance with the provisions of §29A-3-1 et seq. of this code, for the implementation and enforcement of the provisions of this article. The rules shall provide at least the following:

(1) Standards and procedures for recognizing training hours acquired through career technical education provided by West Virginia public schools and applying those hours to requirements for testing and/or certification and/or licensure;

(2) Standards and procedures for recognizing training hours acquired through employer-sponsored training programs and applying those hours to requirements for testing and/or certification and/or licensure; and

(3) After conferring with the State Board of Education, guidelines for collection and dissemination of information collected pursuant to section four of this article in a manner easily accessible to both students and their parents or guardians.

As used in this article and the legislative rules promulgated pursuant to this article:

“Employer-sponsored training program” means a training program provided by a licensed employer approved in accordance with a rule promulgated by the Commissioner of Labor.

“License” means a valid and current license issued by a regulatory board or commission in this chapter.

“Career technical education” means programs of study, clusters, and pathways approved by the West Virginia Board of Education pursuant to state board policy.

Beginning July 1, 2019, applicants for certification or licensure pursuant to this chapter shall be permitted to apply training hours earned via career technical education provided by West Virginia public schools, apprenticeship programs or an employer-sponsored training program towards the requirements for certification and/or licensure in the same occupation in accordance with the standards and procedures authorized in accordance with this article.

The licensing boards and commissions in this chapter shall propose rules for legislative approval, in accordance with the provisions of §29A-3-1 et seq. of this code for the implementation and enforcement of the provisions of this article. The rules shall provide at least the following:

(1) Standards and procedures for recognizing training hours acquired in career technical education provided by West Virginia public schools and applying those hours to requirements for testing and/or certification and/or licensure.

(2) Standards and procedures for recognizing training hours acquired through apprenticeship programs and employer-sponsored training programs applying those hours to requirements for testing and/or certification and/or licensure.”