Subcommittee advances bill to expand use of Georgia—high-demand career list and fund CTAE alignment

Representative Gamble presented House Bill 192 (LC492158EC), a 23-page measure aligned with the governor—————————————'s workforce initiative. Gamble described the bill as building on prior legislation that created a single statewide "high demand career" list and the Georgia Match program, and said HB 192 will reference that list across additional code sections, create grant support for schools reorienting CTAE programs, and expand reporting on articulation agreements between the Department of Education, the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) and the University System of Georgia.

Gamble said the bill will use data to assess program outcomes—including the percentage of graduates employed in high-demand fields and graduate wage comparisons—and require the Georgia Match program be reflected in each student—'s individual college-and-career plan. He framed the bill as a workforce pipeline improvement to keep Georgia competitive and to give students clearer pathways to in-demand jobs.

Members of the Georgia business and education community testified in support. Cindy Morley of the Home Builders Association of Georgia said the construction trades remain on the high-demand list and offered to help with credentialing, noting the Home Builders Institute provides nationally approved curriculum and equipment grants. Margaret Ciccarelli (PAGE) also signaled support for the measure.

The subcommittee moved and approved a due‑pass recommendation by voice vote; the bill was reported to full committee for further consideration.