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Panel advances bill to bolster state internship program, refers it to appropriations
Summary
The subcommittee voted unanimously to advance HB 2125, which would add a coordinator and expand focus for the Commonwealth’s internship program to strengthen the state workforce pipeline; the bill now goes to the Appropriations Committee.
Delegate Mark Sullivan, sponsor of HB 2125, told the Professions, Occupations, and Administrative Process Subcommittee of General Laws that the bill would expand and better coordinate internship opportunities across state government and create a position to oversee the program.
The bill, as amended, adds language clarifying that positions with the Commonwealth remain subject to competitive hiring processes. "The amendment ... makes clear that the positions at the Commonwealth are always done on a competitive basis," Sullivan said.
Why it matters: Supporters said a more coordinated internship program would help recruit younger workers into state service, provide measurable data on outcomes, and build a talent pipeline for the Commonwealth. "We applaud the patron for bringing forward this bill," said Dylan Bishop, representing the Virginia Governmental Employees Association. Bishop cited a recent Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM) statistic that the Commonwealth workforce has a 22.4% vacancy rate and that the average age of a new hire is over 37.
Other supporters included Kate Slayton of Virginia 21 and Sabina Moretz of the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia, who called the bill "a win for students, a win for institutions, and a win for the Commonwealth" and urged the subcommittee to advance it.
Action and next steps: Delegate Krasick moved to report and refer the bill to Appropriations. The motion to report and refer, "as amended," carried on a voice/roll call recorded by the clerk. The clerk announced the bill "reports 7 to 0." The bill will now be considered by the Appropriations Committee.
Ending: Supporters said they expect the coordinator and improved outreach would help place more graduates into state positions and improve workforce diversity and readiness for public service.
