Authority for state-level implementation of federal Workforce Pell Grants provided.

A bill for an act

relating to workforce development; providing authority for state-level

implementation of federal Workforce Pell Grants; proposing coding for new law

in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 116L.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

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[116L.6655] WORKFORCE PELL PATHWAYS.

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Subdivision 1.

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Definitions.

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(a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have

the meanings given.

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(b) "Eligible workforce training program" means a program that meets applicable program

eligibility requirements for Workforce Pell Grants under Public Law 119-21, section 83002,

paragraph (b).

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(c) "Governor's Workforce Development Board" means the board created under section

116L.665.

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(d) "High-skill industry sector or occupation" means a sector or occupation requiring

postsecondary education, experience, or training beyond a high school diploma.

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(e) "High-wage industry sector or occupation" means a sector or occupation with earnings

above 150 percent of the federal poverty level for an individual earner.

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(f) "In-demand industry sector or occupation" means a sector or occupation identified

in state, regional, or local workforce development or labor market projections as growing,

emerging, or having projected shortages or hiring demand.

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Subd. 2.

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Duty and authority of the governor to approve programs.

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The governor

shall, in consultation with the governor's Workforce Development Board, approve an eligible

workforce training program for participation in federal Workforce Pell Grants if the program

prepares students for:

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(1) a high-skill industry sector or occupation;

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(2) a high-wage industry sector or occupation; or

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(3) an in-demand industry sector or occupation.

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Subd. 3.

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Duty and authority of the governor's Workforce Development Board.

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The

governor's Workforce Development Board shall:

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(1) establish processes for an institution or program to apply for approval for Workforce

Pell Grants and to appeal denials;

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(2) coordinate approval of eligible workforce training programs in conjunction with

other state and federal workforce programs, including the Workforce Innovation and

Opportunity Act, as provided in United States Code, title 29, chapter 32, and the Carl D.

Perkins Career and Technical Education Act, as provided in United States Code, title 20,

chapter 44; and

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(3) require eligible workforce training programs to provide verifiable data, as determined

by the governor's Workforce Development Board, demonstrating program outcomes,

including but not limited to completion rates, job placement rates, and earnings.

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Subd. 4.

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Compliance with federal law.

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This section shall be construed and administered

consistent with applicable federal laws governing the Workforce Pell Grant program. If any

provision of this section conflicts with a federal law, the federal law shall govern.

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EFFECTIVE DATE.

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This section is effective the day following final enactment.

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