Senator Sparks: bill would create apprenticeship advisory council to unlock federal funds

Senator Sparks told the committee that the bill numbered 2623 would establish an advisory council needed to participate in federal apprenticeship programming. "The purpose of this bill is to create an advisory council," Senator Sparks said, adding that the Department of Labor has program-specific funds tied to apprenticeship programs and that the state is positioning to participate.

Sparks said the measure includes a procedural change the transcript calls a "reverse repeal" and that committee members could expect federal rules and regulations by Feb. 9 to define the state's obligations under the program. "So we're just trying to create ... the advisory council that is required to participate in the federal department of labor apprenticeship program," Sparks said. Senator Williams pressed for clarification, saying, "The absence of creating this means we won't be able to use the federal dollars that are available to us." Sparks responded that the governor's office supports the apprenticeship program and emphasized the job pathway apprenticeship training typically provides.

Committee action on the bill followed Sparks's explanation. The Chair moved the procedural item described in the transcript as a "reverse Paylor," the committee answered 'Aye,' and the item was placed on the bill. Senator Sparks moved the committee substitute for a final committee action; the motion was approved by voice vote and the bill was reported out of committee.