H.R. 10085: Lifelong Learning Act

This bill would make a few changes to federal workforce training rules under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).

What it would change

• Gives states more flexibility for incumbent worker training. The bill increases two funding thresholds in WIOA rules:
  • It raises one percentage limit from 20% to 30%.
  • It raises another limit from 10% to 15%.
  These changes are meant to allow states and local areas to use more of certain workforce funds for incumbent worker training and related transitional jobs activities.
• Requires more reporting on training results. States that use incumbent worker training programs would have to report performance information about those programs, including outcomes tied to the main WIOA performance measures. The Department of Labor and the Department of Education would use that information when adjusting state performance targets for adult and dislocated worker programs.
• Expands who can serve as a one-stop operator. In some cases, a local workforce board could serve as the operator of a one-stop career center system if approved by the chief elected official and governor, and if certain conditions are met. The local board would need a written agreement and internal controls to address conflicts of interest, and it would have to comply with federal and state conflict-of-interest rules.

Practical effect

In plain terms, the bill would make it easier for states and local workforce systems to spend money on training people who are already employed, while also adding reporting requirements to track how well those programs work. It would also give states more options for deciding who runs local one-stop workforce centers, as long as conflict-of-interest safeguards are in place.

Relevant Companies

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