[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 8210 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 8210
To reauthorize the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
April 6, 2026
Mr. Walberg introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committee
on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the
Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall
within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To reauthorize the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``A Stronger
Workforce for America Act of 2026''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
TITLE I--WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
Subtitle A--General Provisions
Sec. 101. Purposes.
Sec. 102. Definitions.
Sec. 103. Table of contents amendments.
Subtitle B--System Alignment
Chapter 1--State Provisions
Sec. 111. State workforce development board.
Sec. 112. Unified State plan.
Chapter 2--Local Provisions
Sec. 115. Workforce development areas.
Sec. 116. Local workforce development boards.
Sec. 117. Local plan.
Chapter 3--Performance Accountability
Sec. 119. Performance accountability system.
Subtitle C--Workforce Investment Activities and Providers
Chapter 1--Workforce Investment Activities and Providers
Sec. 121. Establishment of one-stop delivery systems.
Sec. 122. Identification of eligible providers of training services.
Sec. 123. Eligible providers of youth workforce investment activities.
Chapter 2--Youth Workforce Investment Activities
Sec. 131. Reservations; Reallocation.
Sec. 132. Use of funds for youth workforce investment activities.
Chapter 3--Adult and Dislocated Worker Employment and Training
Activities
Sec. 141. State allotments.
Sec. 142. Reservations for State activities; within State allocations;
Reallocation.
Sec. 143. Use of funds for employment and training activities.
Chapter 4--General Workforce Investment Provisions
Sec. 145. Authorization of appropriations.
Subtitle D--Job Corps
Sec. 151. Purposes.
Sec. 152. Definitions.
Sec. 153. Individuals eligible for the Job Corps.
Sec. 154. Recruitment, screening, selection, and assignment of
enrollees.
Sec. 155. Job Corps Campuses.
Sec. 156. Program activities.
Sec. 157. Counseling and job placement.
Sec. 158. Support.
Sec. 159. Operations.
Sec. 160. Standards of conduct.
Sec. 161. Community participation.
Sec. 162. Workforce councils.
Sec. 163. Advisory committees.
Sec. 164. Experimental projects and technical assistance.
Sec. 165. Special provisions.
Sec. 166. Management information.
Sec. 167. Job Corps oversight and reporting.
Sec. 168. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 169. Conforming amendments.
Subtitle E--National Programs
Sec. 171. Native American programs.
Sec. 172. Migrant and seasonal farmworker programs.
Sec. 173. Technical assistance.
Sec. 174. Evaluations and research.
Sec. 175. National dislocated worker grants.
Sec. 176. YouthBuild Program.
Sec. 177. Reentry employment opportunities.
Sec. 178. Youth apprenticeship readiness grant program.
Sec. 179. Strengthening community colleges grant program.
Sec. 180. Authorization of appropriations.
Subtitle F--Administration
Sec. 191. Requirements and restrictions.
Sec. 192. Monitoring.
Sec. 193. Fiscal controls; sanctions.
Sec. 194. Administrative adjudication.
Sec. 195. Judicial review.
Sec. 196. General waivers of statutory or regulatory requirements.
Sec. 197. Make America Skilled Again grants.
Sec. 198. General program requirements.
TITLE II--ADULT EDUCATION AND LITERACY
Subtitle A--Transferring All Functions of the Adult Education and
Family Literacy Act to the Department of Labor
Sec. 201. Transfer of functions.
Sec. 202. Personnel Determinations by the Office of Management and
Budget.
Sec. 203. Delegation and assignment.
Sec. 204. Reorganization; Rules.
Sec. 205. Transfer and allocation of appropriations and personnel.
Sec. 206. Incidental transfers.
Sec. 207. Savings provisions.
Sec. 208. References.
Sec. 209. Transition.
Sec. 210. Updating references.
Sec. 211. Effective date.
Subtitle B--Adult Education and Family Literacy Act
Sec. 221. Purposes.
Sec. 222. Definitions.
Sec. 223. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 224. Special rule.
Sec. 225. Performance accountability system.
Sec. 226. Matching requirement.
Sec. 227. State leadership activities.
Sec. 228. Programs for corrections education and other
institutionalized individuals.
Sec. 229. Grants and contracts for eligible providers.
Sec. 230. Local application.
Sec. 231. Local administrative cost limits.
Sec. 232. National leadership activities.
Sec. 233. Integrated English literacy and civics education.
TITLE III--AMENDMENTS TO OTHER LAWS
Sec. 301. Amendments to the Wagner-Peyser Act.
Sec. 302. Job training grants.
Sec. 303. Access to National Directory of New Hires.
Sec. 304. References to other laws.
TITLE IV--DEPARTMENT OF LABOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Sec. 401. Technical assistance for transforming to competitive
integrated employment.
TITLE V--GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 501. Report on data capability and interoperability of Federal and
State databases and data exchange
agreements.
Sec. 502. Effective dates; transition authority.
TITLE I--WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
Subtitle A--General Provisions
SEC. 101. PURPOSES.
Section 2 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3101) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``support services'' and
inserting ``supportive services'';
(2) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``, for youth and
adults,'' after ``economic development systems'';
(3) in paragraph (6), by striking ``of the workforce,
reduce welfare dependency,'' and inserting ``of the workforce,
provide economic mobility, reduce dependency on public
assistance programs,''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(7) To prepare a globally competitive workforce by
developing robust education and skills development programs for
youth to access career pathways that will lead such youth into
in-demand industry sectors and occupations.''.
SEC. 102. DEFINITIONS.
(a) Foundational Skill Needs.--Section 3(5) of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102(5)) is amended to read
as follows:
``(5) Foundational skill needs.--The term `foundational
skill needs' means, with respect to an individual who is a
youth or adult, that the individual--
``(A) has English reading, writing, or computing
skills at or below the 8th grade level on a generally
accepted standardized test; or
``(B) is unable to compute or solve problems, is
unable to read, write, or speak English, or does not
possess digital literacy skills, at a level necessary
to function in the individual's education or
occupation, in the individual's family, or in
society.''.
(b) Career Pathway.--Section 3(7)(F) of the Workforce Innovation
and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102(7)(F)) is amended by striking
``secondary school diploma'' and inserting ``regular high school
diploma''.
(c) Employer-Directed Skills Development.--Section 3(14) of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102(14)) is
amended to read as follows:
``(14) Employer-directed skills development.--The term
`employer-directed skills development' means skills development
provided through a program--
``(A) that is selected or designed to meet the
specific skill demands of an employer (including a
group of employers, such as an industry or trade
association or an industry or sector partnership);
``(B) that is conducted pursuant to the terms and
conditions established under an employer-directed
skills agreement described in section 134(c)(3)(I),
including a commitment by the employer to employ an
individual upon successful completion of the program;
and
``(C) for which the employer pays a portion of the
cost of the program, as determined by the local board
involved, which shall not be less than--
``(i) 10 percent of the cost, in the case
of an employer with 50 or fewer employees;
``(ii) 25 percent of the cost, in the case
of an employer with more than 50 but not more
than 100 employees; and
``(iii) 50 percent of the cost, in the case
of an employer with more than 100 employees.''.
(d) Dislocated Worker.--Section 3(15)(B) of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102(15)(B)) is amended--
(1) in clause (i), by inserting ``, including such a
closure or layoff due to advances in automation technology''
before the semicolon; and
(2) in clause (iii), by striking ``section
134(c)(2)(A)(xii)'' and inserting ``section
134(c)(2)(B)(vii)''.
(e) Displaced Homemaker.--Section 3(16) of the Workforce Innovation
and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102(16)) is amended, in the matter
preceding subparagraph (A), by striking ``family members'' and
inserting ``a family member''.
(f) English Learner.--Section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102) is further amended--
(1) in paragraph (21)--
(A) in the heading, by striking ``language''; and
(B) by striking ``language''; and
(2) in paragraph (24)(I), by striking ``language''.
(g) Individual With a Barrier to Employment.--Section 3(24) of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102(24)) is
amended--
(1) in subparagraph (G), by striking ``(42 U.S.C. 14043e-
2(6)))'' and inserting ``(34 U.S.C. 12473(6)))'';
(2) by redesignating subparagraphs (I) through (N) as
subparagraphs (J) through (O), respectively;
(3) by inserting after subparagraph (H) the following:
``(I) Out of school youth.''; and
(4) in subparagraph (K), as so redesignated, by striking
``section 167(i)'' and inserting ``167(j)''.
(h) Industry or Sector Partnership.--Section 3(26) of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102(26)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by striking ``or another labor
representative, as appropriate;'' and inserting ``and, to the
extent practicable, another labor representative;''; and
(2) in subparagraph (B)--
(A) by redesignating clauses (vi) through (xi) as
clauses (viii) through (xiii), respectively; and
(B) by striking clause (v) and inserting the
following:
``(v) State educational agencies or local
educational agencies;
``(vi) State higher education agencies, as
defined in section 103 of the Higher Education
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1003), or State systems
of higher education;
``(vii) other State or local agencies;''.
(i) Local Area.--Section 3(32) of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102(32)) is amended by striking ``sections
106(c)(3)(A)'' and inserting ``sections 106(c)(4)(A)''.
(j) Educational Agencies.--Section 3(34) of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102(34)) is amended to read
as follows:
``(1) Local educational agency; state educational agency.--
The terms `local educational agency' and `State educational
agency' have the meanings given the terms in section 8101 of
the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.''.
(k) Local Plan.--Section 3(35) of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102(32)) is amended by striking ``section
106(c)(3)(B)'' and inserting ``section 106(c)(4)(B)''.
(l) Low-income Individual.--Section 3(36)(A)(iii) of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102(36)(A)(iii)) is amended
by striking ``(42 U.S.C. 14043e-2(6)))'' and inserting ``(34 U.S.C.
12473(6)))''.
(m) Pay-for-Performance Contract Strategy.--Section 3(47) of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102(47)) is
amended to read as follows:
``(47) Pay-for-performance contract strategy.--The term
`pay-for-performance contract strategy' means a performance-
based contract strategy that uses pay-for-performance contracts
in the provision of services described in paragraph (2) or (3)
of section 134(c) or activities described in section 129(c)(2),
and includes--
``(A) contracts, each of which--
``(i) shall specify a fixed amount that
will be paid to an eligible service provider
(which may include a local or national
community-based organization or intermediary,
community college, or other provider) based on
the achievement of specified levels of
performance on the primary indicators of
performance described in section 116(b)(2)(A)
for target populations as identified by the
local board and which shall identify a specific
target for the number or percentage of
individuals to be served that will be
individuals with barriers to employment, within
a defined timetable; and
``(ii) may provide for bonus payments to
such service provider to expand capacity to
provide effective training and other services,
including bonus payments for exceeding the
identified target for serving individuals with
barriers to employment;
``(B) a strategy for validating the achievement of
the performance described in subparagraph (A); and
``(C) a description of how the State or local area
will reallocate funds not paid to a provider because
the achievement of the performance described in
subparagraph (A) did not occur, for further activities
related to such a contract strategy, subject to section
189(g)(2)(D).''.
(n) Rapid Response Activity.--Section 3(51) of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102(51)) is amended--
(1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting
``, through a rapid response unit'' after ``designated by a
State'';
(2) in subparagraph (B), by inserting before the semicolon
at the end the following: ``, including access through
individual training accounts for eligible dislocated workers
under section 414(c) of the American Competitiveness and
Workforce Improvement Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 3224a)'';
(3) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(4) by redesignating subparagraph (E) as subparagraph (F);
(5) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following new
subparagraph:
``(E) assistance in identifying workers eligible
for assistance, including workers who work a majority
of their time offsite or remotely;'';
(6) in subparagraph (F), as so redesignated, by striking
the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(7) by adding at the end the following:
``(G) the provision of business engagement or
layoff aversion strategies and other activities
designed to prevent or minimize the duration of
unemployment, such as--
``(i) connecting employers to short-term
compensation or other programs designed to
prevent layoffs;
``(ii) conducting worker skill assessment,
and programs to match workers to different
occupations;
``(iii) establishing incumbent worker
training or other upskilling approaches,
including through incumbent worker upskilling
accounts described in section 134(d)(4)(E);
``(iv) facilitating business support
activities, such as connecting employers to
programs that offer access to credit, financial
support, and business consulting; and
``(v) partnering or contracting with
business-focused organizations to assess risks
to companies, and to propose, implement, and
measure the impact of strategies and services
to address such risks.''.
(o) School Dropout.--Section 3(54) of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102(54)) is amended by striking ``secondary
school diploma'' and inserting ``regular high school diploma''.
(p) Supportive Services.--Section 3(59) of the Workforce Innovation
and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102(59)) is amended by striking
``housing,'' and inserting ``assistive technology, housing, food
assistance,''.
(q) New Definitions.--Section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102) is further amended by adding at the
end the following:
``(72) Co-enrollment.--The term `co-enrollment' means
simultaneous enrollment in more than one of the programs or
activities carried out by a one-stop partner specified in
section 121(b)(1)(B).
``(73) Digital literacy skills.--The term `digital literacy
skills' has the meaning given the term in section 203.
``(74) Evidence-based.--The term `evidence-based', when
used with respect to an activity, service, strategy, or
intervention, or content of materials, means an activity,
service, strategy, or intervention, or content of materials
that--
``(A) demonstrates a statistically significant
effect on improving participant outcomes or other
relevant outcomes based on--
``(i) strong evidence from at least 1 well-
designed and well-implemented experimental
study;
``(ii) moderate evidence from at least 1
well-designed and well-implemented quasi-
experimental study; or
``(iii) promising evidence from at least 1
well-designed and well-implemented
correlational study with statistical controls
for selection bias; or
``(B)(i) demonstrates a rationale based on high-
quality research findings or positive evaluation that
such activity, service, strategy, or intervention is
likely to improve student outcomes or other relevant
outcomes; and
``(ii) includes ongoing efforts to examine the effects of
such activity, service, strategy, or intervention.
``(75) Labor organization.--The term `labor organization'
means a labor organization, as defined in section 2(5) of the
National Labor Relations Act (29 U.S.C. 152(5)), and an
organization representing public sector employees.
``(76) Regular high school diploma.--The term `regular high
school diploma' has the meaning given the term in section 8101
of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 7801).
``(77) Work-based learning.--The term `work-based learning'
has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Carl D.
Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C.
2302).
``(78) Talent marketplace.--
``(A) Talent marketplace.--The term `talent
marketplace' means an array of publicly- and privately-
owned platforms supported by interconnected and, where
relevant, interoperable and based on open standards,
technologies (which may include artificial
intelligence) that--
``(i) is made available to the public;
``(ii) is used to match individuals with
employment and learning opportunities in a
State (or a consortium of States) using
information provided by users, including--
``(I) education and training
providers;
``(II) employers;
``(III) jobseekers;
``(IV) students; and
``(V) any other individual; and
``(iii) incorporates and allows users
access to--
``(I) the learning and employment
records of users of such marketplace;
``(II) a credential registry; and
``(III) a skills profile generator.
``(B) Credential registry.--The term `credential
registry' means a process through which a digital
portal or repository may be used by education and
training providers to make publicly available, and,
where relevant, interoperable and based on open
standards, a description, using standardized
terminology, of the skills, competencies and learning
outcomes associated with credentials, including
recognized postsecondary credentials.
``(C) Learning and employment record.--The term
`learning and employment record' means a digital,
machine-readable record of an individual's educational
and employment history that--
``(i) contains information that may be self
attested and is verified by the employers,
persons for whom the individual performed
services, and education and training providers
of such individual;
``(ii) allows the individual to control
such information and use any such information
for the purpose of matching such individual
with employment and learning opportunities as
described in subparagraph (A)(ii); and
``(iii) uses standardized terminology.
``(D) Skills profile generator.--The term `skills
profile generator' means a digital tool that can be
used to create a skill profile that, using standardized
terminology, describes skills gained through, or
necessary for--
``(i) employment;
``(ii) hiring; or
``(iii) education.
``(E) Standardized terminology.--The term
`standardized terminology' means, in relation to a
learning employment record, credential registry, or
skills profile generator made available through a
talent marketplace, a limited set of terms that is
provided through a publicly available, and, where
relevant, interoperable and based on open standards,
skills framework and used to describe skills,
competencies, or learning outcomes in a manner that--
``(i) provides a definition of such skill,
competency, or outcome, and identifies the
skills framework used for such definition;
``(ii) ensures that identical terms are
used to describe substantially similar skills,
competencies, or outcomes across such records,
registries, and generators in such marketplace;
and
``(iii) permits such terms to be
effectively used for the purpose of matching
individuals with employment and learning
opportunities as described in subparagraph
(A)(ii).''.
(r) Redesignations.--Section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102) is further amended by reordering
paragraphs (1) through (71), as amended by this section, and the
paragraphs added by subsection (q) of this section in alphabetical
order, and renumbering such paragraphs as so reordered.
SEC. 103. TABLE OF CONTENTS AMENDMENTS.
The table of contents in section 1(b) of the Workforce Innovation
and Opportunity Act is amended--
(1) by redesignating the item relating to section 172 as
section 175;
(2) by inserting after the item relating to section 171,
the following:
``Sec. 172. Reentry employment opportunities.
``Sec. 173. Youth apprenticeship readiness grant program.
``Sec. 174. Strengthening community colleges workforce development
grants program.''; and
(3) by striking the item relating to section 190 and
inserting the following:
``Sec. 190. Make America Skilled Again grants.''.
Subtitle B--System Alignment
CHAPTER 1--STATE PROVISIONS
SEC. 111. STATE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD.
Section 101(d)(3)(B) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity
Act (29 U.S.C. 3112(d)(3)(B)) is amended by striking ``low-skilled
adults'' and inserting ``adults with foundational skill needs''.
SEC. 112. UNIFIED STATE PLAN.
Section 102 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3112) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by redesignating subparagraphs (C)
through (E) as subparagraphs (D) through (F),
respectively;
(ii) by inserting the following after
subparagraph (B):
``(C) a description of--
``(i) how the State will use real-time
labor market information to continually assess
the economic conditions and workforce trends
described in subparagraphs (A) and (B); and
``(ii) how the State will communicate
changes in such conditions or trends to the
workforce system in the State;'';
(iii) in subparagraph (D), as so
redesignated, by inserting ``the extent to
which such activities are evidence-based,''
after ``of such activities,'';
(iv) in subparagraph (E), as so
redesignated--
(I) by striking ``and for meeting
the skilled workforce needs of
employers'' and inserting ``and for
preparing workers to meet the skilled
workforce needs of employers and to
enter and remain in unsubsidized
employment''; and
(II) by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(v) in subparagraph (F), as so
redesignated, by striking the period at the end
and inserting a semicolon; and
(vi) by adding at the end the following:
``(G) a description of activities the State is
conducting to expand economic opportunity for
individuals and reduce barriers to labor market entry
by--
``(i) developing, in cooperation with
employers, education and training providers,
and other stakeholders, statewide skills-based
initiatives that promote the use of
demonstrated skills and competencies as an
alternative to the exclusive use of degree
attainment as a requirement for employment or
advancement in a career; and
``(ii) evaluating the existing occupational
licensing policies in the State and identifying
potential changes to recommend to the
appropriate State entity to--
``(I) remove or streamline
licensing requirements, as appropriate;
and
``(II) improve the reciprocity of
licensing, including through
participating in interstate licensing
compacts;
``(H) an analysis of the out-of-school youth
population in the State, including the estimated number
of out-of-school youth and any gaps in services
provided to such population by other existing workforce
development activities, as identified under
subparagraph (D);
``(I) a description of the availability of
apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs in the
State and the providers of such programs, including any
that serve youth; and
``(J) a description of any strategies the State
will use to prioritize the funding of evidence-based
programs through the funds available for statewide
workforce development activities described in section
128(a).''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (B), by striking
``including a description'' and inserting
``which may include a description'';
(ii) in subparagraph (C)(viii), by striking
``necessary for effective State operating
systems and policies'' and inserting ``useful
to States to be included in the State plan, on
an optional basis'';
(iii) in subparagraph (D)(i)--
(I) in subclause (II), by striking
``any''; and
(II) in subclause (IV), by striking
``section 121(h)(2)(E)'' and inserting
``section 121(h)(1)(E)''; and
(iv) in subparagraph (E)--
(I) in clause (iv), by striking
``116(i)'' and inserting ``116(j)'';
and
(II) in clause (x), by striking
``necessary for the administration of
the core programs'' and inserting
``useful to States to be included in
the State plan, on an optional basis'';
and
(2) in subsection (c)(3)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``shall'' the
second place it appears and inserting ``may''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) by striking ``required''; and
(ii) by inserting ``, except that
communicating changes in economic conditions
and workforce trends to the workforce system in
the State as described in subsection (b)(1)(C)
shall not be considered modifications subject
to approval under this paragraph'' before the
period at the end.
CHAPTER 2--LOCAL PROVISIONS
SEC. 115. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AREAS.
(a) Regions.--Section 106(a) of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3121(a)) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(3) Review.--Before the second full program year after
the date of enactment of the A Stronger Workforce for America
Act of 2026, in order for a State to receive an allotment under
section 127(b) or 132(b) and as part of the process for
developing the State plan, a State shall--
``(A) review each region in the State identified
under this subsection (as such subsection was in effect
on the day before the date of enactment of the A
Stronger Workforce for America Act of 2026); and
``(B) after consultation with the local boards and
chief elected officials in the local areas and
consistent with the considerations described in
subsection (b)(1)(B)--
``(i) revise such region and any other
region impacted by such revision; or
``(ii) make a determination to maintain
such region with no revision.''.
(b) Local Areas.--Section 106(b) of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3121(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``subsection
(d), and consistent with paragraphs (2) and (3),'' and
inserting ``subsection (d)''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``(except for
those local areas described in paragraphs (2) and
(3))''; and
(2) by striking paragraphs (2) through (7), and inserting
the following:
``(2) Continuation period.--Except as provided in paragraph
(5) of this subsection and subsection (d), in order to receive
an allotment under section 127(b) or 132(b), the Governor shall
maintain the designations of local areas in the State under
this subsection (as in effect on the day before the date of
enactment of the A Stronger Workforce for America Act of 2026)
until the end of the third full program year after the date of
enactment of the A Stronger Workforce for America Act of 2026.
``(3) Initial alignment review.--
``(A) In general.--Prior to the third full program
year after the date of enactment of the A Stronger
Workforce for America Act of 2026, the Governor shall--
``(i) review the designations of local
areas in the State (as in effect on the day
before the date of enactment of the A Stronger
Workforce for America Act of 2026); and
``(ii)(I) based on the considerations
described in paragraph (1)(B), issue proposed
redesignations of local areas in the State
through the process described in paragraph
(1)(A), which shall--
``(aa) include an explanation of
the strategic goals and objectives that
the State intends to achieve through
such redesignations; and
``(bb) be subject to the approval
of the chief elected officials of the
local areas in the State in accordance
with the process described in
subparagraph (C); or
``(II) with respect to a State described in
subsection (d)(2)(B), if the Governor
determines that such State should be designated
as a single State local area, conduct a process
in accordance with the requirements of
subsection (d)(2).
``(B) Designation of local areas.--A redesignation
of local areas in a State that is approved by a
majority of the chief elected officials of the local
areas in the State through the process described in
subparagraph (C) shall take effect on the first day of
the 4th full program year after the date of enactment
of the A Stronger Workforce for America Act of 2026.
``(C) Process to reach majority approval.--To
approve a designation of local areas in the State, the
chief elected officials of the local areas in the State
shall comply with the following:
``(i) Initial vote.--Not later than 60 days
after the Governor issues proposed
redesignations under subparagraph (A), the
chief elected official of each local area shall
review the proposed redesignations and submit a
vote to the Governor either approving or
rejecting the proposed redesignations.
``(ii) Results of initial vote.--If a
majority of the chief elected officials of the
local areas in the State vote under clause
(i)--
``(I) to approve such proposed
redesignations, such redesignations
shall take effect in accordance with
subparagraph (B); or
``(II) to disapprove such proposed
redesignations, the chief elected
officials of the local areas in the
State shall comply with the
requirements of clause (iii).
``(iii) Alternate redesignations.--In the
case of the disapproval described in clause
(ii)(II), not later than 120 days after the
Governor issues proposed redesignations under
subparagraph (A), the chief elected officials
of the local areas in the State shall--
``(I) select 2 alternate
redesignations of local areas--
``(aa) one of which aligns
with the regional economic
development areas in the State;
and
``(bb) one of which aligns
with the regions described in
subparagraph (A) or (B) of
subsection (a)(2); and
``(II) conduct a vote to approve,
by majority vote, 1 of the 2 alternate
redesignations described in subclause
(I).
``(iv) Effective date of alternate
designations.--The alternate redesignations
approved pursuant to clause (iii)(II) shall
take effect in accordance with subparagraph
(B).
``(4) Subsequent alignment reviews.--On the date that is
the first day of the 12th full program year after the date of
enactment of the A Stronger Workforce for America Act of 2026,
and every 8 years thereafter, the Governor shall--
``(A) review the designation of local areas; and
``(B) carry out the requirements of paragraph
(3)(A)(ii), except that any redesignation of local
areas in a State that is approved by a majority of the
chief elected officials of the local areas in the State
through the process described in paragraph (3)(C) shall
take effect on the first day of the next full program
year after the Governor's review pursuant to this
paragraph.
``(5) Interim revisions.--
``(A) Approval of certain redesignation requests.--
``(i) In general.--At any time, and
notwithstanding the requirements of paragraphs
(2), (3), and (4), the Governor, upon receipt
of a request for a redesignation of a local
area described in clause (ii), may approve such
request.
``(ii) Requests.--The following requests
may be approved pursuant to clause (i) upon
request:
``(I) A request from multiple local
areas to be redesignated as a single
local area.
``(II) A request from multiple
local areas for a revision to the
designations of such local areas, which
would not impact the designations of
local areas that have not made such
request.
``(III) A request for designation
as a local area from an area described
in section 107(c)(1)(C).
``(B) Other redesignations.--Other than the
redesignations described in subparagraph (A), the
Governor may only redesignate a local area outside of
the process described in paragraphs (3) and (4), if the
local area that will be subject to such redesignation
has not--
``(i) performed successfully;
``(ii) sustained fiscal integrity; or
``(iii) in the case of a local area in any
planning region described in subparagraph (B)
or (C) of subsection (a)(2), met the
requirements described in subsection (c)(1).
``(C) Effective date.--Any redesignation of a local
area approved by the Governor under subparagraph (A) or
(B) shall take effect on the first date of the first
full program year after such date of approval.
``(6) Appeals.--
``(A) In general.--The chief elected official of a
local area that is subject to a redesignation of such
local area under paragraph (3), (4), or (5) may submit
an appeal to maintain its existing designation to the
State board under an appeal process established in the
State plan as specified in section
102(b)(2)(D)(i)(III).
``(B) State board requirements.--The State board
shall grant an appeal to maintain an existing
designation of a local area described in subparagraph
(A) only if the local board of the local area can
demonstrate that the process for redesignation of such
local area under paragraph (3), (4), or (5), as
applicable, has not been followed.
``(C) Secretarial requirements.--If a request to
maintain an existing designation as a local area is not
granted as a result of such appeal, the Secretary,
after receiving a request for review from the local
board of such local area and determining that the local
board was not accorded procedural rights under the
appeals process referred to in subparagraph (A),
shall--
``(i) review the process for the
redesignation of the local area under paragraph
(3), (4), or (5), as applicable; and
``(ii) upon determining that the applicable
process has not been followed, require that the
local area's existing designation be
maintained.
``(7) Redesignation incentive.--The State may provide
funding from funds made available under sections 128(a)(1) and
133(a)(1) to provide payments to incentivize--
``(A) groups of local areas to request to be
redesignated as a single local area under paragraph
(5)(A); or
``(B) multiple local boards in a planning region to
develop an agreement to operate as a regional
consortium under subsection (c)(3).''.
(c) Regional Coordination.--Section 106(c) of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3121(c)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (F) through (H)
as subparagraphs (G) through (I), respectively; and
(B) by inserting the following after subparagraph
(E):
``(F) the establishment of cost arrangements for
services described in subsections (c) and (d) of
section 134, including the pooling of funds for such
services, as appropriate, for the region;'';
(2) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``, including to assist
with establishing administrative costs arrangements or cost
arrangements for services under subparagraphs (F) and (G) of
such paragraph'' after ``delivery efforts'';
(3) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4); and
(4) by inserting after paragraph (2), as so amended, the
following:
``(3) Regional consortiums.--
``(A) In general.--The local boards and chief
elected officials of any local area in any planning
region described in subparagraph (B) or (C) of
subsection (a)(2) may develop an agreement to receive
funding under section 128(b) and section 133(b) as a
single consortium for the planning region.
``(B) Consortium agreements.--If the local boards
and chief elected officials develop such an agreement--
``(i) one of the chief elected officials in
the planning region shall designate the fiscal
agent for the consortium;
``(ii) the local boards shall develop a
memorandum of understanding to jointly
administer the activities for the consortium;
and
``(iii) the required activities for local
areas under this Act (including the required
functions of the local boards described in
section 107(d)) shall apply to such a
consortium as a whole and may not be applied
separately or differently to the local areas or
local boards within such consortium.''.
(d) Single State Local Areas.--Section 106(d) of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3121(d)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (1), the following:
``(2) New designation.--
``(A) Process.--If, upon a review described in
paragraph (3)(A) or (4)(B) of subsection (b) of a State
described in subparagraph (B)of this paragraph, the
Governor of such State determines, after consultation
with the State board, that such State should be
designated as a single State local area--
``(i) the Governor shall propose to the
legislature of the State to designate such
State as a single State local area;
``(ii) in a case in which the majority of
the legislature of the State consents to the
Governor's proposed designation--
``(I) such designation shall take
effect in accordance with subparagraph
(C); and
``(II) the Governor shall identify
the State as a local area in the State
plan; and
``(iii) in a case in which in which the
majority of the legislature of the State does
not so consent to the Governor's proposed
designation, the designations of the local
areas in the State shall be maintained and
shall be subject to the requirements of
subsection (b)(4).
``(B) State described.--A State described in this
subparagraph is a State that--
``(i) has not been designated as a single
State local area under paragraph (1); and
``(ii)(I) has a population of less than
5,100,000, as determined by the last decennial
census preceding such designation; or
``(II) contains 5 or fewer local areas.
``(C) Effective date.--Notwithstanding subsection
(b)(2), a designation described in paragraph (A) shall
take effect on the later of--
``(i) the first day of the third full
program year after the date of enactment of the
A Stronger Workforce for America Act of 2026;
or
``(ii) the first day of the first full
program year following the date on which the
Governor so designates the State as a single
State local area.
``(D) Reestablishment of local areas.--
``(i) In general.--At the end of the 5-year
period beginning on the date on which a State
is designated as a single State local area
under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall
notify the Governor of such State if, during
such 5-year period, the average of the overall
State program scores (as referred to in section
116(f)(2)) across the adult and dislocated
worker programs and youth programs authorized
under chapters 2 and 3 of subtitle B are lower
than the average of the State overall program
scores across such programs during the 5-year
period for such period ending on the date prior
the date on which such State was so designated.
``(ii) Determination after notice.--
``(I) In general.--If, after
receiving the notice described in
clause (i) with respect to a State, the
Governor determines--
``(aa) that the designation
of the State as a single State
local area should be
maintained, the Governor shall
comply with subclause (II) or
(III), as appropriate; or
``(bb) that such
designation should not be so
maintained, the Governor shall
reestablish the local areas
that comprised the State prior
to the designation of the State
as a single State local area
under subparagraph (A), and
such reestablishment shall take
effect on the first day of the
first full program year after
the Governor receives such
notice.
``(II) Requirements for maintaining
designation.--A designation described
in subclause (I)(aa) with respect to a
State may only be so maintained if the
Governor--
``(aa) not later than 180
days after the date on which
Governor receives the notice
described in clause (i), issues
a public notice of the
determination by the Governor
that the designation of such
State as a single State local
area should be maintained; and
``(bb) not later than 1
year after the date on which
the Governor issues such public
notice, the Governor receives
the consent of a majority of
the legislature of the State to
so maintain the designation.
``(III) Failure to meet
requirements.--If the Governor fails to
comply with each of the requirements of
subclause (II) with respect to a
State--
``(aa) a designation
described in subclause (I)(aa)
for such State may not be so
maintained; and
``(bb) the Governor shall
reestablish the local areas
that comprised the State prior
to the designation of the State
as a single State local area
under subparagraph (A), and
such reestablishment shall take
effect on the first full
program year after the date
that is 1 year after the date
on which the Governor issues
the public notice described in
subclause (II)(aa) with respect
to the State.''.
(e) Definition of Performed Successfully.--Section 106(e)(1) of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3121(e)) is amended
to read as follows:
``(1) Performed successfully.--The term `performed
successfully', used with respect to a local area, means the
local area is not subject to corrective action as described in
section 116(g)(2) on the local performance accountability
measures for the most recent year for which data are available
preceding the determination of performance under this
paragraph.''.
SEC. 116. LOCAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARDS.
(a) Membership.--Section 107(b) of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3122(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``20'' and
inserting ``30''; and
(B) in subparagraph (C)--
(i) in clause (i), by inserting after
``title II'' the following: ``(such as
corrections education programs under such
title)'';
(ii) in clause (ii), by inserting after
``community colleges'' the following: ``and, as
applicable, other institutions of higher
education''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(iv) may include faculty and staff
members working directly with students in
providing workforce investment activities
through education or training programs that
support an industry cluster.''; and
(2) in paragraph (4)(A)--
(A) in clause (ii), by striking ``include'' and all
that follows through the period at the end and
inserting the following: ``include--
``(I) representatives from
community-based organizations and other
representatives with professional
expertise in youth workforce
development programs and with a
demonstrated record of success in
serving eligible youth;
``(II) out-of-school youth,
including youth who are individuals
with disabilities;
``(III) at least 1 representative
of a public or nonprofit agency that
serves youth, including juvenile
justice and child welfare agencies, and
at least 1 representative of a local
public housing authority;
``(IV) for a local area in which a
Job Corps campus (as such term is
defined in section 142) is located, at
least 1 representative of that campus;
and
``(V) for a local area in which a
YouthBuild program (as such term is
defined in section 171(b)) is carried
out, at least 1 representative of such
program.''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(iv) A standing committee to provide
information and to assist with planning,
operational, and other issues relating to the
engagement of representatives of the workforce
in the local area, which--
``(I) shall include at least 1
representative of local labor
organizations or joint labor-management
organizations, including at least 1
representative of either of such
organizations with special interest or
expertise in youth workforce readiness
or apprenticeship and pre-
apprenticeship programs that serve
youth; and
``(II) may include, in a local area
with a significant number of dislocated
workers (as determined by the local
board), at least 1 representative with
special interest or expertise in
providing supports for finding
education, training, and employment
opportunities for dislocated workers.
``(v) A standing committee to provide
information and to assist with planning,
operational, and other issues relating to the
engagement of educational entities in the local
area, which shall include, at a minimum--
``(I) at least 1 representative of
a local educational agency that serves
students residing in such local area;
``(II) at least 1 representative of
institutions of higher education in the
local area, including community
colleges in the local area; and
``(III) at least 1 representative
of entities administering education and
training activities, including career
and technical education programs or
after- school and summer learning
programs, in the local area.
``(vi) A standing committee to provide
information and to assist with planning,
operational, and other issues relating to the
provision of services to offenders, including
pre-release education, training, and career
services for such individuals, which shall
include--
``(I) at least 1 offender; and
``(II) representatives from
community-based organizations with
special interest or expertise in
reentry services for incarcerated
individuals and ex-offenders, including
at least 1 representative of an
organization that is a recipient of a
grant under section 172.''.
(b) Functions of Local Board.--Section 107(d) of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3122(d)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``section
108(b)(1)(D)'' and inserting ``108(b)(1)(E)'';
(2) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``, including, to the
extent practicable, local representatives of the core programs
and the programs described in section 121(b)(1)(B),'' after
``system stakeholders'';
(3) in paragraph (4)--
(A) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``and
industry and sector partnerships'' after
``intermediaries'';
(B) in subparagraph (C), by inserting ``, local
educational agencies, community colleges and other
institutions of higher education'' after ``economic
development entities''; and
(C) in subparagraph (D)--
(i) by striking ``proven'' and inserting
``evidence-based'';
(ii) by inserting ``individual'' after
``needs of''; and
(iii) by inserting ``from a variety of
industries and occupations'' after ``and
employers'';
(4) in paragraph (5), by inserting ``and which, to the
extent practicable, shall be aligned with career and technical
education programs of study (as defined in section 3 of the
Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20
U.S.C. 2302(3)) offered within the local area'' before the
period at the end;
(5) in paragraph (6)--
(A) in the heading, by striking ``PROVEN'' and
inserting ``EVIDENCE-BASED'';
(B) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) by striking ``proven'' and inserting
``evidence-based'';
(ii) by inserting ``and covered veterans
(as defined in section 4212(a)(3)(A) of title
38, United States Code)'' after ``employment'';
and
(iii) by inserting ``, and give priority to
covered persons in accordance with section 4215
of title 38, United States Code'' after
``delivery system''; and
(C) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``proven'' and
inserting ``evidence-based'';
(6) in paragraph (10)(C)--
(A) by inserting ``, on the State eligible training
provider list,'' after ``identify''; and
(B) by inserting ``that operate in or are
accessible to individuals'' after ``training
services''; and
(7) in paragraph (12)(A), by striking ``activities'' and
inserting ``funds allocated to the local area under section
128(b) and section 133(b) for the youth workforce development
activities described in section 129 and local employment and
training activities described in section 134(b), and the
activities''.
(c) Limitations.--Section 107(g)(1)(D) of the Workforce Innovation
and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3122(g)(1)(D)) is amended by striking
``needed or'' and inserting the following: ``, that the local board is
failing to meet the requirements for eligible providers of training
services under section 122, or''.
SEC. 117. LOCAL PLAN.
Section 108 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3123) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``section 102(b)(1)(E)'' and
inserting ``section 102(b)(1)(F)''; and
(B) by striking ``shall prepare'' and inserting
``may prepare''; and
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by redesignating subparagraphs (D),
(E), and (F) as subparagraphs (E), (F), and
(H), respectively;
(ii) by inserting the following after
subparagraph (C):
``(D) a description of--
``(i) how the local board will use real-
time labor market information to continually
assess the economic conditions and workforce
trends described in subparagraphs (A), (B), and
(C); and
``(ii) how changes in such conditions or
trends will be communicated to jobseekers,
education and training providers, and employers
in the local area;'';
(iii) in subparagraph (F), as so
redesignated, by striking ``and'' at the end;
and
(iv) by inserting after subparagraph (F),
as so redesignated, the following:
``(G) an analysis, which may be conducted in
coordination with the State, of the out-of-school youth
population in the local area including the estimated
number of such youth and any gaps in services for such
population from other existing workforce development
activities, as identified under paragraph (9), and a
description of how the local board will address any
such gaps in services identified in such analysis;
and'';
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``section
102(b)(1)(E)'' and inserting ``section 102(b)(1)(F);
(C) in paragraph (4)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)--
(I) by striking ``and'' at the end
of clause (iii); and
(II) by adding at the end the
following:
``(v) carry out any statewide skills-based
initiatives identified in the State plan that
promote the use of demonstrated skills and
competencies as an alternative to the exclusive
use of degree attainment as a requirement for
employment or advancement in a career; and'';
and
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking
``customized training'' and inserting
``employer-directed skills development'';
(D) in paragraph (6)(B), by inserting ``, such as
the use of affiliated sites'' after ``means'';
(E) in paragraph (9)--
(i) by striking ``including activities''
and inserting the following: ``including--
``(A) the availability of community based
organizations that serve youth primarily during
nonschool time hours to carry out activities under
section 129;
``(B) activities'';
(ii) in subparagraph (B), as so
redesignated--
(I) by inserting ``or evidence-
based'' after ``successful''; and
(II) by adding ``and'' at the end;
and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) the availability of preapprenticeship and
apprenticeship programs serving youth;'';
(F) in paragraph (12), by inserting ``including as
described in section 134(c)(2),'' after ``system,'';
and
(G) in paragraph (13), by inserting before the
semicolon at the end the following: ``, and encourage
eligible youth who are enrolled in adult education and
literacy activities under title II to co-enroll in
youth workforce investment activities carried out by
the local board, as appropriate''.
CHAPTER 3--PERFORMANCE ACCOUNTABILITY
SEC. 119. PERFORMANCE ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEM.
(a) State Performance Accountability Measures.--
(1) Primary indicators of performance.--Section
116(b)(2)(A) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
(29 U.S.C. 3141(b)(2)(A)) is amended--
(A) in clause (i)--
(i) in subclause (II)--
(I) by striking ``fourth'' and
inserting ``second''; and
(II) by inserting ``and remain in
unsubsidized employment during the
fourth quarter after exit from the
program'' after ``the program'';
(ii) in subclause (IV), by striking
``secondary school diploma'' and inserting
``regular high school diploma'';
(iii) in subclause (V)--
(I) by striking ``, during a
program year,'';
(II) by striking ``are in'' and
inserting ``enter into''; and
(III) by inserting before the
semicolon at the end the following:
``within 12 months after the quarter in
which the participant enters into the
education and training program''; and
(iv) by amending subclause (VI) to read as
follows:
``(VI) of the program participants
who received training services during a
program year, the percentage of such
program participants who participated
in on-the-job training, employer-
directed skills development, incumbent
worker training, or an
apprenticeship.'';
(B) in clause (ii)--
(i) in subclause (II)--
(I) by striking ``fourth'' and
inserting ``second'';
(II) by inserting ``, and who
remain either in such activities or
unsubsidized employment during the
fourth quarter after exit from the
program'' after ``the program''; and
(III) by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(ii) in subclause (III)--
(I) by striking ``(VI)'' and
inserting ``(V)''; and
(II) by striking the period at the
end and inserting ``; and''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(IV) of the program participants
who exited the program during a program
year, the percentage of such program
participants who completed, prior to
such exit, a work experience as
described in section 129(c)(2)(C).'';
and
(C) in clause (iii), by striking ``secondary school
diploma'' and inserting ``regular high school
diploma''; and
(D) by striking clause (iv).
(2) Levels of performance.--Section 116(b)(3)(A) of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C.
3141(b)(3)(A)) is amended--
(A) by amending clause (iii) to read as follows:
``(iii) Identification in state plan.--
``(I) Secretaries.--For each State
submitting a State plan, the Secretary
of Labor shall, not later than January
15 of the year in which such State plan
is submitted, for the first 2 program
years covered by the State plan, and
not later than January 15 of the second
program year covered by the State plan,
for the third and fourth program years
covered by the State plan--
``(aa) propose to the State
expected levels of performance,
for each of the corresponding
primary indicators of
performance for each of the
programs described in clause
(ii) for such State, which
shall--
``(AA) be
consistent with the
factors listed in
clause (v); and
``(BB) be proposed
in a manner that
ensures sufficient time
is provided for the
State to evaluate and
respond to such
proposals; and
``(bb) publish, on a public
website of the Department of
Labor, the statistical model
developed under clause (viii)
and the methodology used to
develop each such expected
level of performance.
``(II) States.--Each State shall--
``(aa) evaluate each of the
expected levels of performance
proposed under subclause (I)
with respect to such State;
``(bb) based on such
evaluation of each such
expected level of performance--
``(AA) accept the
expected level of
performance as so
proposed; or
``(BB) provide a
counterproposal for
such expected level of
performance, including
an analysis of how the
counterproposal
addresses factors or
circumstances unique to
the State that may not
have been accounted for
in the expected level
of performance; and
``(cc) include in the State
plan, with respect to each of
the corresponding primary
indicators of performance for
each of the programs described
in clause (ii) for such State--
``(AA) the expected
level of performance
proposed under
subclause (I);
``(BB) the
counterproposal for
such proposed level, if
any; and
``(CC) the level of
performance that is
agreed to under clause
(iv).'';
(B) in clause (iv)--
(i) in subclause (I)--
(I) in the second sentence, by
striking ``the levels identified in the
State plan under clause (iii) and the
factors described in clause (v)'' and
inserting ``the factors described in
clause (v) and any counterproposal, and
the analysis provided by the State with
such counterproposal, described in
clause (iii)(II)(bb)(BB)''; and
(II) in the third sentence, by
striking ``incorporated into the State
plan'' and inserting ``included in the
State plan, as described in clause
(iii)(II)(cc),''; and
(ii) in subclause (II)--
(I) in the second sentence, by
striking ``the factors described in
clause (v)'' and inserting ``the
factors described in clause (v) and any
counterproposal, and the analysis
provided by the State with such
counterproposal, described in clause
(iii)(II)(bb)(BB)''; and
(II) in the third sentence, by
striking ``incorporated into the State
plan'' and inserting ``included in the
State plan, as described in clause
(iii)(II)(cc),''; and
(C) in clause (v)(II)--
(i) in the matter preceding item (aa), by
striking ``based on'' and inserting ``based on
each consideration that is found to be
predictive of performance on an indicator for a
program and consists of''; and
(ii) in item (bb)--
(I) by striking ``including'' and
inserting ``such as''; and
(II) by striking ``and welfare
dependency'' and inserting ``school
status, education level, highest grade
level completed, low-income status, and
receipt of public assistance''.
(b) Performance Reports.--Section 116(d) of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3141(d)) is amended--
(1) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
``(1) In general.--
``(A) Templates for performance reports.--Not later
than 24 months after the date of enactment of the A
Stronger Workforce for America Act of 2026, the
Secretary of Labor shall develop, or review and modify,
as appropriate, to comply with the requirements of this
subsection, the templates for performance reports that
shall be used by States (including by States on behalf
of eligible providers of training services under
section 122) and local areas to produce a report on
outcomes achieved by the core programs. In developing,
or reviewing and modifying, such templates, the
Secretary of Labor shall take into account the need to
maximize the value of the templates for workers,
jobseekers, employers, local elected officials, State
officials, Federal policymakers, and other key
stakeholders.
``(B) Standardized reporting.--In developing, or
reviewing and modifying, the templates under
subparagraph (A), the Secretary of Labor shall ensure
that States and local areas, in producing performance
reports for core programs and eligible providers of
training services, collect and report information on
common data elements--
``(i) in a comparable and uniform format;
and
``(ii) using terms that are assigned
identical meanings across all such reports.
``(C) Additional reporting.--The Secretary of
Labor--
``(i) in addition to the information on the
common data elements, may require additional
information with respect to any core program as
necessary for effective reporting; and
``(ii) shall periodically review any such
requirement for additional information to
ensure the requirement is necessary and does
not impose an undue reporting burden.
``(D) Privacy.--The Secretary of Labor shall ensure
subparagraph (B) is carried out in a manner that
protects and promotes individual privacy and data
security, in accordance with applicable Federal privacy
laws.
``(E) Access to wage records.--
``(i) Access.--A State may facilitate for a
local area that meets the requirements of
clause (ii), for the sole purpose of fulfilling
the reporting requirements under this
subsection, access to the quarterly wage
records (excluding such records made available
by any other State) of program participants in
the local area.
``(ii) Privacy protections.--To receive
access to such quarterly wage records, the
local area shall have demonstrated to the State
the ability to comply, and agree to comply,
with all applicable Federal and State
requirements relating to the access and use of
such quarterly wage records, including
requirements relating to data privacy and
cybersecurity.'';
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``, and
aggregated to compare those levels of performance for
all individuals with barriers to employment with those
levels of performance for all other individuals''
before the semicolon at the end;
(B) in subparagraphs (D) and (F), by striking
``career and training services, respectively'' and
inserting ``career services, training services, and
supportive services, respectively'';
(C) by redesignating subparagraphs (J) through (L)
as subparagraphs (K) through (M), respectively and
inserting after subparagraph (I) the following:
``(J) the median earnings gain of participants who
received training services, calculated as the median
value of the difference between--
``(i) participant earnings in unsubsidized
employment during the 4 quarters after program
exit; and
``(ii) participant earnings in the 4
quarters prior to entering the program;''; and
(D) in subparagraph (L), as so redesignated--
(i) by striking clause (ii); and
(ii) by striking ``strategies for
programs'' and all that follows through ``the
performance'', and inserting ``strategies for
programs, the performance'';
(3) in paragraph (3)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``(L)'' and
inserting ``(M)'';
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(C) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as
subparagraph (F); and
(D) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the
following:
``(C) the percentage of the local area's allocation
under section 133(b) that the local area spent on
services paid for through an individual training
account described in section 134(c)(3)(F)(iii) or a
training contract described in section
134(c)(3)(G)(ii);
``(D) the percentage of the local area's allocation
under section 133(b) that the local area spent on
supportive services;
``(E) the percentage of the local area's allocation
under section 133(b), if any, that is spent on
incumbent worker training, disaggregated by whether the
amount so spent was spent on the provision of incumbent
worker training through contracts or through incumbent
worker upskilling accounts described in section
134(d)(4)(E); and'';
(4) by amending paragraph (4) to read as follows:
``(4) Contents of eligible training providers performance
report.--
``(A) In general.--The State shall use the
information submitted by the eligible providers of
training services under section 122 and administrative
records, including quarterly wage records, of the
participants of the programs offered by the providers
to produce a performance report on the eligible
providers of training services in the State, which
shall include, subject to paragraph (6)(C)--
``(i) with respect to each program of study
(or the equivalent) of a provider on the list
described in section 122(d)--
``(I) information specifying the
levels of performance achieved with
respect to the primary indicators of
performance described in subclauses (I)
through (IV) of subsection (b)(2)(A)(i)
with respect to all individuals
engaging in the program of study (or
the equivalent); and
``(II) the total number of
individuals exiting from the program of
study (or the equivalent),
disaggregated by whether such
individuals completed the program of
study (or equivalent); and
``(ii) with respect to all eligible
providers of training services under section
122--
``(I) the total number of
participants who received training
services through each adult and
dislocated worker program authorized
under chapter 3 of subtitle B,
disaggregated by the type of entity
that provided the training services,
during the most recent program year and
the 3 preceding program years;
``(II) the total number of
participants who exited from training
services, disaggregated by the type of
entity that provided the training
services, and by whether such
participants completed the training
services, during the most recent
program year and the 3 preceding
program years;
``(III) the average cost per
participant for the participants who
received training services,
disaggregated by the type of entity
that provided the training, during the
most recent program year and the 3
preceding program years;
``(IV) the average of the per-
program ratios of median earnings
increase for a participant to the total
cost of the provider's program, as
described in section
122(b)(5)(B)(i)(III) for the
participant; and
``(V) the number of individuals
with barriers to employment served by
each adult and dislocated worker
program authorized under chapter 3 of
subtitle B, disaggregated by each
subpopulation of such individuals, and
by race, ethnicity, sex, and age; and
``(iii) to the extent practicable, with
respect to each recognized postsecondary
credential on the list of credentials awarded
by eligible providers in the State described in
section 122(d)(2)--
``(I) information specifying the
levels of performance achieved with
respect to the primary indicators of
performance described in subclauses (I)
through (IV) of subsection (b)(2)(A)(i)
for all participants in the State
receiving such credential; and
``(II) information specifying the
levels of performance achieved with
respect to the primary indicators of
performance described in subclauses (I)
through (IV) of subsection (b)(2)(A)(i)
for participants in the State receiving
such credential who are individuals
with barriers to employment,
disaggregated by each subpopulation of
such individuals, and by race,
ethnicity, sex, and age.''; and
(5) in paragraph (6)--
(A) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as
follows:
``(A) State performance reports.--The Secretary of
Labor shall annually make available the performance
reports for States containing the information described
in paragraph (2), which shall include making such
reports available--
``(i) digitally using transparent, linked,
open, machine readable, and interoperable data
formats that are human readable and machine
actionable such that the data from these
reports--
``(I) are easily understandable;
and
``(II) can be easily included in
web-based tools and services supporting
search, discovery, comparison,
analysis, navigation, and guidance;
``(ii) in a printable format; and
``(iii) in multiple languages, to the
extent practicable.'';
(B) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) by striking ``(including by electronic
means), in an easily understandable format,'';
and
(ii) by adding at the end the following:
``The Secretary of Labor shall include, on the
website where the State performance reports are
required under subparagraph (A) to be made
available, a link to local area performance
reports and the eligible provider of training
services report for each State. Such reports
shall be made available in each of the formats
described in subparagraph (A).''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(E) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this
subsection shall be construed to require the
retroactive collection of information, from program
years prior to the effective date described in section
502(a)(1) of the A Stronger Workforce for America Act
of 2026, that was not required under this subsection
prior to that effective date.''.
(c) Evaluation of State Programs.--Section 116(e) of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3141(e)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in the first sentence, by striking ``shall
conduct ongoing'' and inserting ``shall use data to
conduct analyses and ongoing''; and
(B) in the second sentence, by striking ``conduct
the'' and inserting ``conduct such analyses and''; and
(2) in paragraph (2), by adding ``A State may use various
forms of analysis, such as machine learning or other advanced
analytics, to improve program operations and outcomes and to
identify areas for further evaluation.'' at the end.
(d) Sanctions for State Failure To Meet State Performance
Accountability Measures.--Section 116(f) of the Workforce Innovation
and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3141(f)) is amended to read as follows:
``(f) Sanctions for State Failure To Meet State Performance
Accountability Measures.--
``(1) Targeted support and assistance.--
``(A) In general.--If a State fails to meet 80
percent of the State adjusted level of performance for
an indicator described in subsection (b)(2)(A)
(referred to in the regulations carrying out this
section as an `individual indicator score') for a core
program for any program year, the Secretary of Labor
shall provide technical assistance.
``(B) Sanctions.--
``(i) In general.--If the State fails in
the manner described in subclause (I) or (II)
of clause (ii) with respect to the program year
specified in that subclause, the percentage of
each amount that could (in the absence of this
subsection) be reserved by the Governor under
section 128(a)(1) for the immediately
succeeding program year shall be reduced by 5
percent and an amount equivalent to the amount
reduced shall be returned to the Secretary of
Labor until such date as the Secretary of Labor
determines that the State meets the State
adjusted level of performance, in the case of a
failure described in clause (ii)(II), or has
submitted the reports for the appropriate
program years, in the case of a failure
described in clause (ii)(I).
``(ii) Failures.--A State shall be subject
to clause (i)--
``(I) if (except in the case of
exceptional circumstances as determined
by the Secretary of Labor), such State
fails to submit a report under
subsection (d) for any program year; or
``(II) for a failure under
subparagraph (A) that has continued for
a second consecutive program year.
``(2) Comprehensive support and assistance.--
``(A) In general.--If a State fails to meet an
average of 90 percent of the State adjusted levels of
performance for a single core program across all
indicators of performance (referred to in the
regulations carrying out this section as an `overall
State program score') for any program year, or if a
State fails to meet an average of 90 percent of the
State adjusted levels of performance for a single
indicator of performance across all core programs
(referred to in the regulations carrying out this
section as an `overall State indicator score') for any
program year, the Secretary of Labor shall provide
technical assistance, as described and authorized under
section 168(b), including assistance in the development
of a comprehensive performance improvement plan.
``(B) Second consecutive year failure.--If such
failure under subparagraph (A) continues for a second
consecutive program year, the percentage of each amount
that could (in the absence of this subsection) be
reserved by the Governor under section 128(a)(1) for
the immediately succeeding program year shall be
reduced by 8 percent and an amount equivalent to the
amount reduced shall be returned to the Secretary of
Labor until such date as the Secretary of Labor
determines that the State meets such State adjusted
levels of performance.
``(3) Limitation.--The total reduction under this
subsection to the percentage of each amount that could (in the
absence of this subsection) be reserved by the Governor under
section 128(a)(1) may not exceed 10 percent for a program year.
``(4) Reallotment of reductions.--
``(A) In general.--The amounts available for
reallotment for a program year shall be reallotted to a
State (in this paragraph referred to as an `eligible
State') that--
``(i) was not subject to a reduction of
funds under paragraph (1)(B) or paragraph
(2)(B) of this subsection for such program
year;
``(ii) in the case of amounts available
under section 127(b)(1)(C), was 1 of the 5
States that achieved, in the most recent
program year, the greatest increase from the
prior year to the average of the State's
adjusted levels of performance across all
indicators of performance for the youth program
under chapter 2 of subtitle B;
``(iii) in the case of amounts available
under section 132(b)(1)(B), was 1 of the 5
States that achieved, in the most recent
program year, the greatest increase from the
prior year to the average of the State's
adjusted levels of performance across all
indicators of performance for the adult program
under chapter 3 of subtitle B; and
``(iv) in the case of amounts available
under section 132(b)(2)(B), was 1 of the 5
States that achieved, in the most recent
program year, the greatest increase from the
prior year to the average of the State's
adjusted levels of performance across all
indicators of performance for the dislocated
worker program under chapter 3 of subtitle B.
``(B) Amounts available for reallotment.--In this
paragraph, the term `amounts available for reallotment
for a program year' means the amounts available under
section 127(b)(1)(C) and paragraphs (1)(B) and (2)(B)
of section 132(b) for such program year which could (in
the absence of the requirements to return funds of
paragraph (1)(B) or paragraph (2)(B) of this
subsection) have otherwise been reserved under section
128(a)(1) by a Governor of a State for such program
year.
``(C) Reallotment amounts.--In making reallotments
under subparagraph (A) for a program year to eligible
States, the Secretary shall allot to each eligible
State--
``(i) in the case of amounts available
under section 127(b)(1)(C), an amount based on
the relative amount of the allotment made
(before the reallotments under this paragraph
are made) to such eligible State under section
127(b)(1)(C) for such program year, compared to
the total allotments made (before the
reallotments under this paragraph are made) to
all eligible States under section 127(b)(1)(C)
for such program year;
``(ii) in the case of amounts available
under paragraph (1)(B) of section 132(b), an
amount based on the relative amount of the
allotment made (before the reallotments under
this paragraph are made) to such eligible State
under paragraph (1)(B) of section 132(b) for
such program year, compared to the total
allotments made (before the reallotments under
this paragraph are made) to all eligible States
under paragraph (1)(B) of section 132(b) for
such program year; and
``(iii) in the case of amounts available
under paragraph (2)(B) of section 132(b), an
amount based on the relative amount of the
allotment made (before the reallotments under
this paragraph are made) to such eligible State
under paragraph (2)(B) of section 132(b) for
such program year, compared to the total
allotments made (before the reallotments under
this paragraph are made) to all eligible States
under paragraph (2)(B) of section 132(b) for
such program year.''.
(e) Sanctions for Local Area Failure To Meet Local Performance
Accountability Measures.--Section 116(g) of the Workforce Innovation
and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3141(g)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by inserting ``80 percent of the'' before
``local performance''; and
(B) by striking ``local performance accountability
measures established under subsection (c)'' and
inserting ``local level of performance established
under subsection (c) for an indicator of performance
described in subsection (b)(2)(A) for a single program,
an average of 90 percent of the local levels of
performance across all such indicators for a single
program, or an average of 90 percent of the local
levels of performance for a single such indicator
across all programs,''; and
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as
follows:
``(A) In general.--If such failure continues, the
Governor shall take corrective actions, which shall
include--
``(i) in the case of such failure, as
described in paragraph (1), for a second
consecutive year, on any single indicator,
across indicators for a single program, or on a
single indicator across programs, a 5-percent
reduction in the amount that would (in the
absence of this clause) be allocated to the
local area for the immediately succeeding
program year under chapter 2 or 3 of subtitle B
for the program subject to the performance
failure;
``(ii) in the case of such failure, as
described in paragraph (1), for a third
consecutive year, the development of a
reorganization plan through which the Governor
shall--
``(I) require the appointment and
certification of a new local board,
consistent with the criteria
established under section 107(b);
``(II) prohibit the use of one-stop
delivery system contractors or service
providers identified as achieving a
poor level of performance; and
``(III) redesignate a local area
(which may include merging a local area
with another local area), if the
Governor determines that the likely
cause of such continued performance
failure of a local area is due to such
local area's designation being granted
without the appropriate consideration
of parameters described under section
106(b)(1)(B); or
``(iii) taking another significant action
determined appropriate by the Governor.'';
(B) in subparagraph (B)(i), by inserting ``(ii)''
after ``subparagraph (A)''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) Reallocation of reductions.--With respect to
any amounts available to carry out section 128(b),
paragraph (2)(A) or (3) of section 133(b), and section
133(b)(2)(B) to a Governor for a program year which
would (in the absence of subparagraph (A)(i)) have
otherwise been allocated by such Governor to a local
area (referred to individually in this subparagraph as
an `unallocated amount') for such program year--
``(i) 10 percent of those 3 unallocated
amounts shall be reserved by the Governor to
provide technical assistance to local areas
within the State that were subject to a
reduction of allocation amounts pursuant to
subparagraph (A)(i) for such program year; and
``(ii) the amounts remaining after the
reservations under clause (i) shall be
reallocated by the Governor, to the local areas
within the State that were not subject to a
reduction of allocation amounts pursuant to
subparagraph (A)(i) for such program year, in a
manner determined by the Governor, which may
take into consideration the extent to which
local areas serve a significant number, as
determined by the Governor, of individuals with
barriers to employment.''.
(f) Establishing Pay-for-Performance Contract Strategy
Incentives.--Section 116(h) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity
Act (29 U.S.C. 3141(h)) is amended by striking ``non-Federal funds''
and inserting ``not more than 5 percent of the funds reserved under
section 128(a)(1)''.
(g) Information and Technical Assistance.--Section 116 of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3141) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (i) as subsection (j); and
(2) by inserting after subsection (h) the following:
``(i) Information and Technical Assistance.--Beginning not later
than 12 months after the date of enactment of the A Stronger Workforce
for America Act of 2026, the Secretary of Labor shall hold meetings
with each State board and State agency that administers a core program,
and that requests such a meeting, to provide information and technical
assistance concerning the performance accountability measures
established in accordance with subsection (b), and related requirements
for States under this section.''.
(h) Fiscal and Management Accountability Information Systems.--
Section 116(j) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3141(j)), as so redesignated, is amended--
(1) in the first sentence of paragraph (2), by inserting
``, and may use information provided from the National
Directory of New Hires in accordance with section 453(j)(8) of
the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 653(j)(8))'' after ``State
law'';
(2) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4); and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
``(3) Designated entity.--The Governor shall designate a
State agency (or appropriate State entity) to assist in
carrying out the performance reporting requirements of this
section for core programs and eligible providers of training
services. The designated State agency (or appropriate State
entity) shall be responsible for--
``(A) facilitating data matches using quarterly
wage record information, including wage record
information made available by other States, to measure
employment and earnings outcomes;
``(B) notifying State agencies that administer core
programs and eligible providers of training services of
the State's procedures for data validation and
reliability, as described in subsection (d)(5); and
``(C) protection against disaggregation that would
violate applicable privacy standards, as described in
subsection (d)(6)(C).''.
(i) Implementation of Performance Accountability Measures.--Section
116 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3141) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(k) Implementation of Performance Accountability Measures.--Not
later than 24 months after the date of enactment of the A Stronger
Workforce for America Act of 2026, the Secretary of Labor shall fully
implement the requirements of this section for programs described in
subsection (b)(3)(A)(iv), including--
``(1) developing and disseminating the objective
statistical adjustment model framework described in subsection
(b)(3)(A)(viii) and using the model as described in subsection
(b)(3)(A)(viii) for each program; and
``(2) notifying the State agencies carrying out such
programs of the performance accountability measures established
under this section, of the reporting and evaluation
requirements for such programs, and of the sanctions
requirements for programs that fail to meet State adjusted
levels of performance under subsection (b)(3)(A)(iv).''.
Subtitle C--Workforce Investment Activities and Providers
CHAPTER 1--WORKFORCE INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES AND PROVIDERS
SEC. 121. ESTABLISHMENT OF ONE-STOP DELIVERY SYSTEMS.
(a) One-Stop Partners.--Section 121(b) of the Workforce Innovation
and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3151(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) in clause (xi), by inserting ``and'' at
the end;
(ii) by striking clause (xii); and
(iii) by redesignating clause (xiii) as
clause (xii); and
(B) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``subparagraph
(B)(xiii)'' and inserting ``subparagraph (B)(xii)'';
and
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``With'' and
inserting ``At the direction of the Governor or with'';
and
(B) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) in clause (vi), by striking ``and'' at
the end;
(ii) by redesignating clause (vii) as
clause (viii);
(iii) by inserting after clause (vi) the
following:
``(vii) any applicable economic development
and workforce development programs carried out
in the State--
``(I) by the Economic Development
Administration;
``(II) under Public Law 117-167
(commonly known as the `CHIPS and
Science Act of 2022');
``(III) under the Infrastructure
Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law
117-58); or
``(IV) under Public Law 117-168
(commonly known as the `Inflation
Reduction Act of 2022'); and''; and
(iv) in clause (viii), as so redesignated--
(I) by inserting ``out-of-school
youth services,'' after ``education,'';
and
(II) by inserting ``, by community-
based organizations,'' after
``libraries''.
(b) Memorandum of Understanding.--Section 121(c)(2)(A)(iv) of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3151(c)(2)(A)(iv))
is amended by striking ``access to services, including access to
technology and materials, made'' and inserting ``access or referral to
services, including access or referral to technology, materials, and
other supportive services, made''.
(c) One-Stop Operators.--Section 121(d) of the Workforce Innovation
and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3151(d)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``paragraphs (2) and
(3)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (2) and (5)'';
(2) in paragraph (2)(B)--
(A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by
inserting ``(including effectiveness in serving
individuals with barriers to employment)'' after
``demonstrated effectiveness'';
(B) in clause (i), by inserting after ``education''
the following: ``or an area career and technical
education school'';
(C) in clause (v), by striking ``and'';
(D) by redesignating clause (vi) as clause (viii);
(E) by inserting after clause (v) the following:
``(vi) a public library;
``(vii) a local board that meets the
requirements of paragraph (4); and''; and
(F) in clause (viii), as so redesignated, by
inserting after ``labor organization'' the following:
``or joint labor-management organization'';
(3) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs
(5) and (6), respectively; and
(4) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
``(3) Responsibilities.--
``(A) In general.--In operating a one-stop delivery
system referred to in subsection (e), a one-stop
operator--
``(i) shall--
``(I) manage operations of the one-
stop delivery system in the local area;
``(II) facilitate coordination
among the one-stop partners in such
one-stop delivery system; and
``(III) take the necessary steps to
ensure efficient and effective service
delivery for individuals served by the
one-stop delivery system, including
individuals with barriers to
employment; and
``(ii) may, subject to the requirements
under subparagraph (B), directly provide
services to job seekers and employers.
``(B) Internal controls.--In a case in which a one-
stop operator seeks to operate as a service provider
pursuant to subparagraph (A)(ii), the local board shall
establish internal controls (which shall include
written policies and procedures)--
``(i) with respect to the competition in
which the one-stop operator will compete to be
selected as such service provider, and the
subsequent oversight, monitoring, and
evaluation of the performance of such one-stop
operator as such service provider; and
``(ii) which require compliance with--
``(I) relevant Office of Management
and Budget circulars relating to
conflicts of interest; and
``(II) any applicable State
conflict of interest policy.
``(4) Local boards as one-stop operators.--Subject to
approval from the chief elected official and Governor and in
accordance with any other eligibility criteria established by
the State, a local board may serve as a one-stop operator, if
the local board--
``(A) enters into a written agreement with the
chief elected official that clarifies how the local
board will carry out the functions and responsibilities
as a one-stop operator in a manner that complies with
the appropriate internal controls to prevent any
conflicts of interest, which shall include how the
local board, while serving as a one-stop operator,
will--
``(i) comply with the relevant Office of
Management and Budget circulars relating to
conflicts of interest; and
``(ii) any applicable State conflict of
interest policy; and
``(B) complies with the other applicable
requirements of this subsection.''.
(d) One-Stop Delivery.--Section 121(e) of the Workforce Innovation
and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3151(e)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), to read as follows:
``(A) shall make each of the programs, services
(meaning a referral in the case of supportive services,
for the purposes of this paragraph), and activities
described in paragraph (1) available--
``(i) at not less than 1 physical or
virtual center for each local area of the
State, except that local areas may share--
``(I) a virtual center, if the
local area complies with subparagraph
(E); or
``(II) a physical center, if such
center is located in a location that
promotes accessibility to services for
individuals residing in all such local
areas served by the center; and
``(ii) in a manner that is designed to
promote efficiency, coordination, quality, and
accessibility for individuals with barriers to
employment, as determined by the local board,
in the delivery of such programs, services, and
activities;'';
(B) in subparagraph (B)(i), by inserting after
``affiliated sites'' the following: ``(such as a site
of any of the entities described in subsection
(d)(2)(B))'';
(C) in subparagraph (C)--
(i) by inserting after ``centers'' the
following: ``(which may be virtual or physical
centers)''; and
(ii) by striking ``and'' at the end;
(D) in subparagraph (D)--
(i) by striking ``as applicable and
practicable, shall'' and inserting ``in the
case of a one-stop delivery system that is
making each of the programs, services, and
activities described in paragraph (1)
accessible at not less than 1 physical center,
as described in subparagraph (A)(i), shall, in
accordance with the regulations issued pursuant
to paragraph (5),''; and
(ii) by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``, and local areas that share at
least 1 common border may coordinate in making
such programs, services, and activities
accessible through electronic means through
such a one-stop delivery system; and''; and
(E) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the
following:
``(E) in the case of a one-stop delivery system
that is making each of the programs, services, and
activities accessible through electronic means, as
described in subparagraph (A)(i), shall--
``(i) have not fewer than 2 affiliated
sites (not fewer than 1 of which will have not
fewer than 1 professional staff member) with a
physical location where individuals can access,
virtually, each of the programs, services, and
activities described in paragraph (1) that are
virtually accessible; and
``(ii) comply with the regulations issued
pursuant to paragraph (5).'';
(2) in paragraph (4), by inserting after the first sentence
the following: ``The system identifier shall be prominently and
visibly displayed at each comprehensive and specialized one-
stop center operated by the one-stop delivery system, including
physical and virtual centers identified in paragraph (2)(A),
and the sites and centers described in subparagraphs (B)
through (E) of paragraph (2).''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) Minimum digital functionality regulations.--The
Secretary shall issue regulations to establish minimum digital
functionality requirements with respect to the one-stop
delivery system.''.
(e) Certification and Improvement Criteria.--Section 121(g)(2)(A)
of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C.
3151(g)(2)(A)) is amended by striking ``under subsections (h)(1)'' and
inserting ``under subsections (h)(1)(C)''.
(f) Funding of One-Stop Infrastructure.--Section 121(h) of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3151(h)) is
amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (1);
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs
(1) and (2), respectively;
(3) in paragraph (1), as so redesignated--
(A) by amending subparagraph (B) to read as
follows:
``(B) Partner contributions.--Subject to
subparagraph (D), the covered portions of funding for a
fiscal year shall be provided to the Governor from the
programs described in subsection (b)(1) to pay the
costs of infrastructure of one-stop centers in local
areas of the State.'';
(B) in subparagraph (C)(i)--
(i) by striking ``for funding pursuant to
clause (i)(II) or (ii) of paragraph (1)(A) by
each partner,''; and
(ii) by striking the third sentence; and
(C) in subparagraph (D)--
(i) in clause (ii), by striking ``For local
areas in a State that are not covered by
paragraph (1)(A)(i)(I), the'' and inserting
``The'';
(ii) in clause (ii)--
(I) in subclause (I)--
(aa) by striking ``Wia'' in
the header and inserting
``Wioa''; and
(bb) by striking ``3
percent'' and inserting ``5
percent''; and
(II) by striking subclause (III)
and inserting the following:
``(III) Vocational
rehabilitation.--Notwithstanding
subclauses (I) and (II), an entity
administering a program described in
subsection (b)(1)(B)(iii) shall not be
required to provide from that program,
under this paragraph, a portion that
exceeds 1.5 percent of the amount of
Federal funds provided to carry out
such program in the State for a program
year.''; and
(iii) in clause (iii), by striking ``For
local areas in a State that are not covered by
paragraph (1)(A)(i)(I), an'' and inserting
``An'';
(4) in paragraph (2), as so redesignated--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``purposes of
assisting in'' and inserting ``purpose of''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) in the first sentence, by striking
``not funding costs of infrastructure under the
option described in paragraph (1)(A)(i)(I)'';
and
(ii) in the second sentence, by inserting
after ``local area,'' the following: ``the
intensity of services provided by such centers,
the number and types of one-stop partners
engaged by or providing services through such
centers'';
(5) by inserting after paragraph (2), as so redesignated,
the following:
``(3) Supplemental infrastructure funding.--For any fiscal
year in which the allocation received by a local area under
paragraph (2) is insufficient to cover the total costs of
infrastructure of one-stop centers in such local area, the
local board, the chief elected official, and the one-stop
partners that have entered into the local memorandum of
understanding with the local board under subsection (c) may
agree to fund, using Federal or other funds, the remainder of
any such costs using a method described in such memorandum.'';
and
(6) in paragraph (4), by inserting after ``operation of the
one-stop center'' the following: ``(whether for in-person or
virtual service delivery)''.
(g) Other Funds.--Section 121(i)(2) of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3151(i)(2)) is amended by striking
``intake,'' and all that follows through ``skills,'' and inserting
``intake, case management, assessment of needs, appraisal of
foundational skill needs,''.
SEC. 122. IDENTIFICATION OF ELIGIBLE PROVIDERS OF TRAINING SERVICES.
(a) In General.--Section 122 of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3152) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsections (f) through (i) as
subsections (g) through (j), respectively;
(2) by striking the section heading and all that follows
through subsection (e) and inserting the following:
``SEC. 122. IDENTIFICATION OF ELIGIBLE PROVIDERS OF TRAINING SERVICES.
``(a) Eligibility.--
``(1) In general.--Except as provided in subsection (i),
the Governor, after consultation with the State board and
considering the State's adjusted levels of performance
described in section 116(b)(3)(A)(iv), shall establish--
``(A) procedures regarding the eligibility of
providers of training services to receive funds
provided under section 133(b) for the provision of
training services through programs with eligibility
under this section (in this section referred to as
`eligible programs') in local areas in the State; and
``(B) the minimum levels of performance on the
criteria for a program to receive such eligibility.
``(2) Providers.--Subject to the provisions of this
section, to be eligible to receive those funds for the
provision of training services, the provider shall be--
``(A) an institution of higher education that
provides a program that leads to a recognized
postsecondary credential;
``(B) an entity that carries out programs
registered under the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly
known as the `National Apprenticeship Act'; 50 Stat.
664, chapter 663; 29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.); or
``(C) another public or private provider of a
program of training services, which may include joint
labor-management organizations, providers of
entrepreneurial skills development programs, industry
or sector partnerships, groups of employers, trade or
professional associations, and eligible providers of
adult education and literacy activities under title II
(if such activities are provided in combination with
occupational skills training or integrated education
and training programs).
``(3) Inclusion in list of eligible providers.--
``(A) Compliance with additional criteria,
information requirements and procedures.--A provider
described in subparagraph (A) or (C) of paragraph (2)
(other than a provider described in subparagraph
(B)(ii) of this paragraph) shall comply with the
criteria, information requirements, and procedures
established under this section to be included on the
list of eligible providers of training services
described in subsection (d).
``(B) Automatic inclusion.--
``(i) Providers of registered
apprenticeship programs.--A provider described
in paragraph (2)(B) shall be included and
maintained on the list of eligible providers of
training services described in subsection (d)
for so long as the corresponding program of the
provider remains registered as described in
paragraph (2)(B).
``(ii) Providers of workforce pell
programs.--With respect to a provider described
in paragraph (2)(A) that provides an eligible
program for purposes of the Workforce Pell
Grant program under section 401(k) of the
Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1070a(k)), as added by section 83002(a) of
Public Law 119-21, such provider shall be
included and maintained on the list of eligible
providers of training services described in
subsection (d) for so long as the provider
provides such eligible program.
``(b) Criteria and Information Requirements.--
``(1) General criteria for programs.--Each provider shall
demonstrate to the Governor that the program for which the
provider is seeking eligibility under this section--
``(A) prepares participants to meet the hiring
requirements of potential employers in the State, or a
local area within the State, for employment that--
``(i) is high-skill and high-wage; or
``(ii) is in an in-demand industry sector
or occupation;
``(B) leads to a recognized postsecondary
credential;
``(C) has been offered by the provider for not less
than 1 year; and
``(D) meets the performance requirements for
eligibility described in paragraph (2).
``(2) Performance criteria for eligibility.--
``(A) In general.--The Governor shall--
``(i) establish and publicize minimum
levels of performance for each of the criteria
listed in subparagraph (B) that a program
offered by a provider of training services
shall achieve, for all participants in the
program (including participants for whom the
provider receives payments under this title)
for the program to receive and maintain
eligibility under this section;
``(ii) verify the performance achieved by
such a program with respect to each such
criterion to determine whether the program
meets the corresponding minimum level of
performance established under clause (i)--
``(I) in the case of the criteria
described in (ii) through (iv) of
subparagraph (B), using State
administrative data (such as quarterly
wage records); and
``(II) in the case of the criteria
described in subparagraph (B)(i), using
any applicable method for such
verification; and
``(iii) in verifying the performance
achievement of a program to make such
determination, verify that such program
included a sufficient number of program
participants to protect participants'
personally identifiable information, and to
provide information that is a reliable
indicator of performance achievement.
``(B) Performance criteria.--The performance
criteria to receive and maintain eligibility for a
program under this section are each of the following:
``(i) The credential attainment rate of
program participants (calculated as the
percentage of program participants who obtain
the recognized postsecondary credential that
the program prepares participants to earn
within 6 months after exit from the program).
``(ii) The job placement rate of program
participants (calculated as the percentage of
program participants in unsubsidized employment
during the second quarter after exit from the
program).
``(iii) The median earnings of program
participants who are in unsubsidized employment
during the second quarter after exit from the
program.
``(iv) The ratio of median earnings
increase to the total cost of program,
calculated as the ratio of--
``(I) the median value of the
difference between--
``(aa) participant wages
from unsubsidized employment
during the second quarter after
program exit; and
``(bb) participant wages
during the quarter prior to
entering the program; to
``(II) the total cost of the
program (as described in paragraph
(5)(B)(i)(III)).
``(C) Local criteria.--With respect to any program
receiving eligibility under this section from a
Governor, a local board in the State may require higher
levels of performance than the minimum levels of
performance established by the Governor under this
paragraph for the program to be an eligible program in
the corresponding local area, but may not--
``(i) require any information or
application from the provider that is not
required for such eligibility; or
``(ii) establish a performance requirement
with respect to any criterion not listed in
subparagraph (B).
``(3) Employer-sponsored or industry or sector partnership
designation.--
``(A) In general.--The Governor shall establish
procedures and criteria for a provider to demonstrate
that a program meets, in applying for an employer-
sponsored designation for a program that has received
eligibility under this subsection, which shall include
demonstrating a commitment from an employer or an
industry or sector partnership to--
``(i) pay to the provider, on behalf of
each participant enrolled in such program under
this Act, not less than 25 percent of the total
cost of the program (as described in paragraph
(5)(B)(i)(III)), which shall be provided in
lieu of 25 percent of the amount that the
provider would have otherwise received under
section 133(b) for the provision of training
services by such program to such participant;
and
``(ii) guarantee an interview and
meaningful consideration for a job with the
employer, or in the case of an industry or
sector partnership, an employer within such
partnership, for each such participant that
successfully completes the program.
``(B) Restriction on financial arrangement.--A
provider of a program receiving an employer-sponsored
designation under this paragraph may not--
``(i) have an ownership stake in the
employer or industry or sector partnership
making a commitment described in subparagraph
(A); or
``(ii) enter into an arrangement to
reimburse an employer or partnership for the
costs of a participant paid by such employer or
partnership under this paragraph.
``(4) Workforce innovation leader designation.--
``(A) In general.--If the Governor determines that
a program offered by an eligible provider meets the
minimum levels of performance described in subparagraph
(B) to receive a Workforce Innovation Leader (or WIL)
designation, which designates the program as a WIL
program, the Governor shall grant the program
designation as a WIL program and inform the provider of
such program of their ability to display the WIL seal,
as described in subparagraph (C), in marketing
materials.
``(B) Levels.--A eligible program shall meet the
levels of performance to receive a WIL designation if
such program has achieved--
``(i) a credential attainment rate of
program participants (calculated as the
percentage of program participants who obtain
the recognized postsecondary credential that
the program prepares participants to earn
within 6 months after exit from the program) of
not less than 80 percent;
``(ii) a job placement rate of program
participants (calculated as the percentage of
program participants in unsubsidized employment
during the second quarter after exit from the
program) of not less than 70 percent;
``(iii) median earnings of program
participants who are in unsubsidized employment
during the second quarter after exit from the
program that are not less than 25 percent
greater than the State-level median earnings of
individuals ages 25 through 34 in the labor
force who have only a regular high school
diploma or its recognized equivalent; and
``(iv) a ratio of greater than 1.5 of
median earnings increase to the total cost of
program, calculated as the ratio of--
``(I) the median value of the
difference between--
``(aa) participant wages
from unsubsidized employment
during the second quarter after
program exit; and
``(bb) participant wages
during the quarter prior to
entering the program; to
``(II) the total cost of the
program (as described in paragraph
(5)(B)(i)(III)).
``(C) WIL seal.--Not later than 2 years after the
date of enactment of the A Stronger Workforce for
America Act of 2026, the Secretary shall design a seal
signifying that a program has achieved a WIL
designation, for the Governor of each State to provide
to any programs in their State that achieve the
performance necessary to receive a WIL designation.
``(D) Loss of wil designation.--If, during the
annual review of eligibility described in subsection
(c)(3), the Governor determines that a WIL program no
longer meets the levels described in subparagraph (B)
or otherwise has eligibility under this section revoked
or terminated, or the provider of the program has
eligibility terminated under subsection (g)(1)(A), the
Governor shall revoke the program's WIL designation and
inform the provider of such program that such provider
may no longer display the WIL seal in marketing
materials or otherwise.
``(5) Information requirements.--A provider that seeks to
establish eligibility under this section, and an eligible
provider, shall submit appropriate, accurate, and timely
information to the Governor, to enable the Governor to carry
out subsection (d), with respect to all participants in each
eligible program (including participants for whom the provider
receives payments under this title) offered by the provider,
which information shall--
``(A) be made available by the State in a common,
linked, open, and interoperable data format; and
``(B) consist of--
``(i) information on--
``(I) in the case of an eligible
provider offering a program who is
seeking to maintain eligibility, the
performance of the program with respect
to the indicators described in section
116(b)(2)(A) for participants in the
program;
``(II) the recognized postsecondary
credentials received by such
participants, including, in relation to
each such credential, the issuing
entity, any third-party endorsements,
the occupations for which the
credential prepares individuals, the
competencies achieved by the
individuals, the level of mastery of
such competencies (including how
mastery is assessed) achieved by the
individuals, and any transfer value or
stackability;
``(III) the total cost of the
program, including the costs of the
published tuition and fees, supplies,
and books, and any other costs required
by the provider, for a participant in
the program;
``(IV) the percentage of such
participants that complete the program
within the expected time to completion;
and
``(V) the program's level of
performance on the criteria described
in paragraph (2) and not otherwise
included in clause (I) of this clause;
and
``(ii) with respect to employment and
earnings measures described in subclauses (I)
through (III) of section 116(b)(2)(A)(i) and
the performance criteria described in
subsection (b)(2) for such participants--
``(I) the necessary information for
the State to develop program
performance data using State
administrative data (such as quarterly
wage records); and
``(II) the necessary information to
determine the percentage of such
participants who entered unsubsidized
employment in an occupation related to
the program, to the extent practicable.
``(6) Eligible provider.--In this section, other than
subsection (i), a provider of an eligible program under this
section shall be considered to be identified as an eligible
provider of training services.
``(c) Procedures.--
``(1) Application procedures.--The procedures established
under subsection (a) shall identify the application process for
a provider of training services (for a program offered by the
provider) to become eligible to receive funds provided under
section 133(b) for the provision of training services. That
process shall be implemented in a manner that minimizes the
financial and administrative burden on the provider and shall
not require the submission of information in excess of the
information required to determine a program's eligibility under
paragraphs (1), (2), and (5) of subsection (b). The procedures
shall identify the respective roles of the State and local
areas in receiving and reviewing the applications and in making
determinations of such eligibility based on the criteria,
information requirements, and procedures established under this
section. The procedures shall also establish a process, for a
provider of training services to appeal a denial or revocation
or termination of eligibility under this section, that includes
an opportunity for a hearing and prescribes appropriate time
limits to ensure prompt resolution of the appeal.
``(2) Approval.--A Governor shall make a determination of
such eligibility with respect to a program for which the
provider is seeking eligibility under this section not later
than 30 days after receipt of an application submitted by such
provider consistent with the procedures in paragraph (1).
``(3) Renewal procedures.--The procedures established by
the Governor shall also provide for annual review and renewal
of eligibility under this section for a program of training
services that continues to meet the requirements under
paragraphs (1), (2), and (5) of subsection (b).
``(4) Revocation of eligibility.--The procedures
established under subsection (a) shall adhere to the following
requirements for revocation of eligibility by the Governor:
``(A) Failure to provide required information.--
With respect to a provider of training services that is
eligible under this section for a program year with
respect to an eligible program, but that does not
provide the information described in subsection (b)(5)
with respect to such program for such program year
(including information on performance necessary to
determine if the program meets the minimum levels of
performance on the performance criteria to maintain
eligibility), the provider shall be ineligible under
this section with respect to such program for the
program year after the program year for which the
provider fails to provide such information.
``(B) Failure to meet performance criteria.--
``(i) First year.--The provider of an
eligible program that has received eligibility
under subsection (c)(2) for a program year but
fails to meet the minimum levels of performance
on the performance criteria described in
subsection (b)(2) for the most recent program
year for which performance data on such
criteria are available shall be notified of
such failure by the Governor.
``(ii) Second consecutive year.--A program
that fails to meet the minimum levels of
performance for a second consecutive program
year shall be ineligible under this section
with respect to such program for the program
year following such second consecutive program
year and until the program meets the minimum
levels of performance.
``(iii) Reapplication.--A provider that
loses eligibility under this subparagraph with
respect to a program may reapply to receive
eligibility for the program according to the
procedures described in this subparagraph if
the program meets the minimum levels of
performance described in clause (i), for the
most recent program year for which performance
data on the performance criteria are available.
``(C) Repeated failure.--A program for which the
Governor revokes eligibility under subparagraph (A) or
(B)--
``(i) 2 times shall be determined
ineligible under this section by the Governor
for a period of at least 2 years;
``(ii) 3 times shall be determined
ineligible under the section by the Governor
for a period of at least 5 years; and
``(iii) more than 3 times shall be
determined ineligible under this section by the
Governor for a period of at least 10 years.
``(5) Continuity of training services.--A provider of a
program for which the Governor revokes eligibility under
paragraph (4) shall--
``(A) be prohibited from enrolling any new
participants whose participation would be funded under
section 133(b) in the program and from receiving any
payments from funds provided under section 133(b) for
any participants not already enrolled in the program on
the date of revocation or termination until and unless
the Governor determines that the provider has
demonstrated that the program offered by the provider
has met the requirements for the provider to gain the
opportunity to reapply for eligibility under the
procedure described in paragraph (4)(B)(iii); and
``(B) enable each participant currently enrolled in
the program, on the date of the revocation or
termination, to complete such program.
``(6) Notification of program loss of eligibility.--The
local board serving participants whose participation is funded
under section 133(b) in a program for which eligibility is
revoked by the Governor under this subsection shall notify such
participants that such program no longer meets the State's
requirements for eligible providers of training services under
this Act and that the participant has the opportunity to
continue receiving training services from such program, in
order to complete the program.
``(7) Multistate providers.--The procedures established
under subsection (a) shall specify the process for any provider
of training services offering a program that is eligible under
this section in a first State to establish eligibility under
this section in an additional State, which shall, to the extent
practicable, minimize financial and administrative burdens on
any such provider by authorizing the provider to submit the
same application materials and information to the Governor of
the additional State that was accepted by the Governor granting
the provider's eligibility in the first State, as long as the
program meets the applicable State requirements for such
eligibility established under subsection (b).
``(8) Online providers.--The procedures established under
subsection (a) shall apply to a provider that delivers training
services exclusively online. If a participant chooses a
provider that delivers training services exclusively online and
is not located in the State of the local area that approved
such training services for the participant in accordance with
section 133(c)(3)(A)(i), such provider shall be ineligible to
receive payment for such participant from funds allotted to
such State under section 132 unless such provider is on the
list of eligible providers of training services described in
subsection (d) for such State with respect to the program
involved.
``(d) List and Information to Assist Participants in Choosing
Providers.--
``(1) In general.--In order to facilitate and assist
participants in choosing employment and training activities and
in choosing providers of training services, the Governor shall
ensure that an appropriate list of providers determined to be
eligible under this section to offer a program in the State
(and, as appropriate, in a local area), accompanied by
information identifying the recognized postsecondary credential
offered by the provider and other appropriate information, is
prepared. The list shall be provided to the local boards in the
State, and made available to such participants and to members
of the public through the one-stop delivery system in the State
in accordance with paragraph (4).
``(2) Talent marketplace.--The Governor may establish (or
develop in partnership with other States) a talent marketplace.
``(3) Accompanying information.--The accompanying
information referred to in paragraph (1) shall consist of--
``(A) with respect to providers described in
subparagraphs (A) and (C) of subsection (a)(2) (other
than providers described in subsection (a)(3)(B)(ii)),
information provided by such providers (disaggregated
by local areas served, as applicable) in accordance
with subsection (b);
``(B) with respect to a program described in
subsection (b)(3) that is offered by a provider,
information promoting the program as having an
employer-sponsored designation and identifying the
employer or partnership sponsoring the program; and
``(C) with respect to a program described in
subsection (b)(4) that is offered by a provider,
information promoting the program as being a WIL
program and displaying the seal described in subsection
(b)(4)(C).
``(4) Availability.--The list (including the talent
marketplace if one has been established by the State), and the
accompanying information shall be made available to such
participants and to members of the public through the one-stop
delivery system in the State--
``(A) on a publicly accessible website that--
``(i) is consumer-tested; and
``(ii) is searchable, easily
understandable, and navigable, and allows for
the comparison of eligible programs through the
use of common, linked, open-data descriptive
language, including interoperable skills and
competency data; and
``(B) in a manner that does not reveal personally
identifiable information about an individual
participant.
``(5) Website technical assistance.--The Secretary shall--
``(A) upon request, provide technical assistance to
a State on establishing a website that meets the
requirements of paragraph (4); and
``(B) disseminate to each State effective practices
or resources from States and private sector entities
related to establishing a website that is consumer-
tested to ensure that the website is easily understood,
searchable, and navigable.
``(6) Limitation.--In carrying out the requirements of this
subsection, no personally identifiable information regarding a
student, including a Social Security number, student
identification number, or other identifier, may be disclosed
without the prior written consent of the student or student's
parent in compliance with section 444 of the General Education
Provisions Act (20 U.S.C. 1232g).
``(e) Opportunity to Submit Comments.--In establishing, under this
section, criteria, procedures, and the list of eligible providers
described in subsection (d), the Governor shall provide an opportunity
for interested members of the public to make recommendations and submit
comments regarding such criteria, procedures, and list.
``(f) Provider Performance Incentives.--
``(1) In general.--The Governor shall establish a system of
performance incentive payments to be awarded to eligible
providers in addition to the amount paid under section 133(b)
to such providers for the provision of training services to
participants of eligible programs. Such system of performance
incentive payments may be established to award the payments to
providers of eligible programs that--
``(A) achieve levels of performance above the
minimum levels established by the Governor under
subsection (b)(2);
``(B) serve a significantly higher number of
individuals with barriers to employment compared to
training providers offering similar training services;
or
``(C) achieve other performance successes,
including those related to jobs that provide economic
stability and upward mobility (such as jobs with high
wages and family sustainable benefits) as determined by
the State or the local board.
``(2) Incentive payments.--Incentive payments to providers
established under paragraph (1) shall be awarded to eligible
providers from funds reserved by the Governor under section
128(a)(1), except that not more than 5 percent of the funds
reserved by the Governor under section 128(a)(1) may be used
for such payments.'';
(3) by striking subsections (i) and (j) and inserting the
following:
``(i) On-the-job Training, Employer-directed Skills Development,
Incumbent Worker Training, and Other Training Exceptions.--
``(1) In general.--Providers of on-the-job training,
employer-directed skills development, incumbent worker
training, internships, paid or unpaid work experience
opportunities, or transitional employment shall not be subject
to the requirements of subsections (a) through (f).
``(2) Collection and dissemination of information.--A one-
stop operator in a local area shall collect the minimum amount
of information from providers of on-the-job training, employer-
directed skills development, incumbent worker training,
internships, paid or unpaid work experience opportunities, or
transitional employment as necessary to enable the use of State
administrative data to generate such performance information as
the Governor may require, and use the information to determine
whether the providers meet such performance criteria as the
Governor may require. The one-stop operator shall disseminate
information identifying such providers that meet the criteria
as eligible providers, and the performance information, through
the one-stop delivery system. Providers determined to meet the
criteria shall be considered to be identified as eligible
providers of training services.
``(j) Technical Assistance.--The Governor may apply to the
Secretary for technical assistance, as described in section 168(c), for
purposes of carrying out the requirements of the amendments made by the
A Stronger Workforce for America Act of 2026 to this section, and the
Secretary shall provide such technical assistance in a timely
manner.''.
(b) Report to Congress on State Performance Criteria.--Not later
than 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
Labor shall submit a report to the Committee on Education and Workforce
of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions of the Senate on eligible providers of training
services under section 122 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity
Act (29 U.S.C. 3152), as amended by this Act, in each State that shall
include--
(1) the minimum levels of performance established by the
Governor of each State with respect to the performance criteria
under subsection (b)(2) of that section 122 for such eligible
providers of training services in the State;
(2) the number of such eligible providers of training
services in the State in each program year that begins after
the date of enactment of this Act, compared with the number of
such providers in the State in the program year that began
immediately preceding that date of enactment; and
(3) the average length of time that such eligible providers
of training services in the State maintain eligibility,
disaggregated by the type of entity that provided the training
services.
SEC. 123. ELIGIBLE PROVIDERS OF YOUTH WORKFORCE INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES.
Section 123(a) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3153(a)) is amended by inserting ``, which may include providers
of pre-apprenticeship programs, and apprenticeship programs, that serve
youth,'' before ``identified based''.
CHAPTER 2--YOUTH WORKFORCE INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES
SEC. 131. RESERVATIONS; REALLOCATION.
(a) Reservations for Statewide Activities.--Section 128(a) of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3163(a)) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``reserved amounts'' in
each place and inserting ``reserved amounts required under
paragraph (1)''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Critical industry skills fund, and industry sector
partnership and career pathways development fund.--
``(A) Authorized reservation.--In addition to the
reservations required under paragraph (1) and section
133(a)(2), and subject to subparagraph (B), the
Governor may reserve not more than 10 percent of each
of the amounts allotted to the State under section
127(b)(1)(C) and paragraphs (1)(B) and (2)(B) of
section 132(b) for a fiscal year to establish and
administer any one, or both, of the following:
``(i) A critical industry skills fund
described in section 134(a)(4).
``(ii) An industry or sector partnership
and career pathways development fund described
in section 134(a)(5).
``(B) Matching funds.--
``(i) Requirement.--The amount of funds
reserved by a Governor under subparagraph (A)
for a fiscal year may not exceed the amount of
funds that such Governor commits to using from
any of the funds listed in clause (ii) of this
subparagraph for the purposes of establishing
and administering the funds described in
clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph (A) for
such fiscal year.
``(ii) Sources of matching funds.--The
funds listed in this clause are as follows:
``(I) Funds reserved by the
Governor under paragraph (1) of this
subsection.
``(II) Other Federal funds not
described in subclause (I).
``(III) State funds.''.
(b) Reallocation Among Local Areas.--Section 128(c) of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3173(c)) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by inserting the following before the
period at the end: ``as performance-based incentive payments'';
and
(2) in paragraph (4)--
(A) by striking ``that does not'' and inserting the
following: ``that--
``(A) does not'';
(B) by striking the period at the end and inserting
a semicolon; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) has met or exceeded an average of 100 percent
of the local level of performance described in section
116(c)(1)(B) for the local area across all indicators
for the youth program authorized under this chapter for
the most recent program year for which performance data
is available; and
``(C) was not subject to corrective action by the
Governor under section 184(a)(5)(A) for a determination
of non-compliance with the uniform administrative
requirements described in section 184(a)(3) for the
program year for which the determination under
paragraph (2) is made.''.
SEC. 132. USE OF FUNDS FOR YOUTH WORKFORCE INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES.
(a) Youth Participant Eligibility.--
(1) Eligibility determination.--
(A) Eligibility.--Subparagraph (A) of section
129(a)(1) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity
Act (29 U.S.C. 3164(a)(1)) is amended to read as
follows:
``(A) Eligibility determination.--
``(i) In general.--To be eligible to
participate in activities carried out under
this chapter during any program year, an
individual shall, at the time the eligibility
determination is made, be an out-of-school
youth or an in-school youth.
``(ii) Enrollment.--If a one-stop operator
or eligible provider of youth workforce
activities carrying out activities under this
chapter reasonably believes that an individual
is eligible to participate in such activities,
the operator or provider may allow such
individual to participate in such activities
for not more than a 40-day period during which
the operator or provider shall obtain the
necessary information to make an eligibility
determination with respect to such individual
(which may involve working with such individual
and other entities in the local area, and using
available sources of administrative data, to
obtain the necessary information).
``(iii) Determination of ineligibility.--
With respect to an individual who is determined
to be ineligible for activities under this
chapter by a one-stop operator or an eligible
provider of youth workforce activities during
the period described in clause (ii) and who
does not qualify for an exception under
paragraph (3)(A)(ii) applicable to the local
area involved, such operator or service
provider--
``(I) may--
``(aa) continue serving
such individual using non-
Federal funds; or
``(bb) end the
participation of such
individual in activities under
this chapter and refer the
individual to other services
that may be available in the
local area for which the
individual may be eligible; and
``(II) shall be paid for any
services provided to such individual
under this chapter during the period
described in clause (ii) by the local
area involved using funds allocated to
such area under section 128(b).
``(iv) Determination process for homeless
youth and foster youth.--In determining whether
an individual is eligible to participate in
activities carried out under this chapter on
the basis of being an individual who is a
homeless youth, or a youth in foster care, as
described in subparagraph (B)(iii)(V), the one-
stop operator or service provider involved
may--
``(I) if determining whether the
individual is a homeless youth, use a
process that is in compliance with the
requirements of subsection (a) of
section 479D of the Higher Education
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087uu-2) for
financial aid administrators; and
``(II) if determining whether the
individual is a youth in foster care,
use a process that is in compliance
with the requirements of subsection (b)
of section 479D of the Higher Education
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087uu-2) for
financial aid administrators.''.
(B) Definition of out-of-school youth.--
Subparagraph (B) of section 129(a)(1) of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3164(a)(1))
is amended--
(i) in clause (i), by inserting ``, except
that an individual described in subparagraph
(IV) or (V) of clause (iii) may be attending
school (as defined under State law)'' after
``(as defined under State law)'';
(ii) in clause (ii), by inserting before
the semicolon at the end, the following : ``,
except that an individual described in
subparagraph (IV) or (V) of clause (iii) may be
not younger than age 14 or older than age 24'';
and
(iii) in clause (iii)--
(I) in subclause (III)--
(aa) in the matter
preceding item (aa)--
(AA) by striking
``secondary school
diploma or its
recognized equivalent''
and inserting ``regular
high school diploma or
its recognized
equivalent''; and
(BB) by striking
``and is'' and
inserting ``and'';
(bb) in item (aa), by
striking ``basic skills
deficient;'' and inserting
``has foundational skill
needs;''; and
(cc) in item (bb), by
striking ``an English language
learner'' and inserting ``is an
English learner''; and
(II) in subclause (V), by striking
``(42 U.S.C. 14043e-2(6))'' and
inserting ``(34 U.S.C. 12473(6))''.
(C) Definition of in-school youth.--Clause (iv) of
section 129(a)(1)(C) of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3164(a)(1)(C)) is amended--
(i) in subclause (I), by striking ``Basic
skills deficient.'' and inserting ``An
individual who has foundational skill needs.'';
(ii) in subclause (II), by striking
``language'';
(iii) by striking subclauses (III) and
(IV); and
(iv) by redesignating subclauses (V), (VI),
and (VII) as subclauses (III), (IV), and (V),
respectively.
(D) Rule for certain out-of-school youth.--Section
129(a)(1) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity
Act (29 U.S.C. 3164(a)(1)) is amended by adding at the
end the following:
``(D) Rule for certain out-of-school youth.--An
out-of-school youth described in subclause (IV) or (V)
of subparagraph (B)(iii) who is attending any school
(as defined under State law) shall be eligible to
participate in any activity for in-school youth carried
out under this chapter.''.
(2) Exception and limitation.--Section 129(a)(3) of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3164(a)(3))
is amended--
(A) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by striking ``5'' and
inserting ``10''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) by striking ``5'' and inserting ``10'';
and
(ii) by striking ``paragraph
(1)(C)(iv)(VII)'' and inserting ``paragraph
(1)(C)(iv)(V)''.
(3) Out-of-school youth priority.--Section 129(a)(4) of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3164(a)(4))
is amended--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) by striking ``75'' each place it
appears and inserting ``70'';
(ii) by inserting ``the total amount of''
before ``funds available''; and
(iii) by inserting ``in the State'' after
``subsection (c)'';
(B) in subparagraph (B)(i), by striking ``75'' and
inserting ``70'';
(C) by redesignating subparagraph (B), as so
amended, as subparagraph (C); and
(D) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the
following:
``(B) Local area targets.--The local board, the
chief elected official, and the Governor shall
negotiate and reach agreement on the minimum amount of
funds provided to a local area under subsection (c)
that shall be used to provide youth workforce
investment activities for out-of-school youth based on
the needs of the youth in the local area, which--
``(i) may not be an amount that is less
than 45 percent of the funds provided to such
local area under subsection (c); and
``(ii) shall be the amount that is
necessary for the State to meet the
requirements of subparagraph (A) with respect
to the total amount of funds available for
local areas under subsection (c).''.
(b) Required Statewide Youth Activities.--Section 129(b)(1) of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3164(b)(1)) is
amended--
(1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``sections 128(a)'' and inserting ``sections 128(a)(1)'';
(2) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``through a website
that is consumer-tested to ensure that the website is easily
understood, searchable, and navigable and allows for comparison
of eligible providers based on the program elements offered by
such providers and the performance of such providers on the
primary indicators of performance for the youth program as
described in section 116(b)(2)(A)(ii)'' after ``under section
123''; and
(3) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``section 116(i)'' and
inserting ``section 116(j)''.
(c) Allowable Statewide Youth Activities.--Section 129(b)(2) of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3164(b)(2)) is
amended--
(1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``sections 128(a)'' and inserting ``sections 128(a)(1)'';
(2) in subparagraph (C), by inserting ``, which may include
providing guidance on career options in in-demand industry
sectors or occupations'' after ``in the State'';
(3) in subparagraph (D)--
(A) in clause (iv), by striking ``and'' at the end;
and
(B) by inserting after clause (v) the following:
``(vi) supporting the ability to understand
relevant tax information and obligations;'';
(4) in subparagraph (E), by striking the period at the end
and inserting a semicolon; and
(5) by adding at the end the following:
``(F) establishing, supporting, and expanding work-
based learning opportunities (including transitional
jobs and work-based learning opportunities designed for
youth to develop and gain experience using emerging
technologies, including artificial intelligence, in the
workplace) that are aligned with career pathways;
``(G) raising public awareness (including through
public service announcements, such as social media
campaigns and elementary and secondary school showcases
and school visits) about career and technical education
programs and community-based and youth services
organizations, and other endeavors focused on programs
that prepare students for in-demand industry sectors or
occupations;
``(H) developing partnerships between educational
institutions (including area career and technical
schools and institutions of higher education) and
employers to create or improve workforce development
programs to address the identified education and skill
needs of the workforce (including the skills needed to
use emerging technology tools and systems in the
workplace) and the employment needs of employers in the
regions or local areas of the State, as determined
based on the most recent analysis conducted under
subparagraphs (B) and (C) of section 102(b)(1);
``(I) coordinating activities with providers of a
pre-apprenticeship program or apprenticeship program
for youth in the State to establish, support, or expand
the program described in this subparagraph, including
any such program in the State receiving assistance
under section 173;
``(J) coordinating activities with entities
implementing reentry projects in the State focused on
establishing or improving workforce development
programs for juvenile offenders, including any such
reentry projects in the State receiving assistance
under section 172; and
``(K) coordinating activities with agencies
implementing corrections education and other education
programs in the State focused on providing incarcerated
youth with education and skills development programs,
including any such programs in the State receiving
assistance under section 225.''.
(d) Local Elements and Requirements.--
(1) Program design.--Section 129(c)(1) of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3164(c)(1)) is
amended--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``basic
skills'' and inserting ``foundational skill needs'';
(B) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``(which, in
the case of a participant 18 years or older, may
include co-enrollment in any employment or training
activity provided under section 134 for adults)'' after
``services for the participant'';
(C) in subparagraph (C)--
(i) in clause (i), by striking ``secondary
school diploma or its recognized equivalent''
and inserting ``regular high school diploma or
its recognized equivalent''; and
(ii) in clause (v), by inserting ``high-
skill, high-wage, or'' after ``small employers,
in''; and
(D) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``10'' and
inserting ``30''.
(2) Program elements.--Section 129(c)(2) of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3164(c)(2)) is
amended--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
striking ``secondary school diploma or its recognized
equivalent'' and inserting ``regular high school
diploma or its recognized equivalent'';
(B) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``secondary
school diploma or its recognized equivalent'' and
inserting ``regular high school diploma or its
recognized equivalent'';
(C) in subparagraph (C)--
(i) in clause (i)--
(I) by striking ``other'' and
inserting ``year-round''; and
(II) by inserting ``that meet the
requirements of paragraph (10)'' after
``school year'';
(ii) in clause (ii), by inserting ``and
apprenticeship programs that serve youth''
after ``programs'';
(iii) by amending clause (iii) to read as
follows:
``(iii) internships that--
``(I) are paid internships or are
unpaid internships for which academic
credit may be awarded;
``(II) are, to the extent
practicable, aligned with in-demand
industry sectors or occupations in the
State or local area; and
``(III) for which participants
shall be paid (by the entity providing
the internship, through funds allocated
to the local area pursuant to paragraph
(1) for the program, or by another
entity) if such internships are longer
than--
``(aa) 4 weeks in the
summer or 8 weeks during the
school year for in-school youth
and out-of-school youth who are
enrolled in school; or
``(bb) 8 weeks for out-of-
school youth who are not
enrolled in school;'';
(iv) by redesignating clause (iv) as clause
(v);
(v) by inserting after clause (iii), as so
amended, the following:
``(iv) job shadowing;'';
(vi) in clause (v), as so redesignated, by
inserting ``and'' at the end; and
(vii) by adding at the end the following:
``(vi) work-based learning;'';
(D) in subparagraph (H), by striking ``adult
mentoring'' and inserting ``coaching and adult
mentoring services'';
(E) in subparagraph (I), by inserting ``(including
case management)'' after ``services'';
(F) in subparagraph (M)--
(i) by inserting ``high-skill, high-wage,
or'' before ``in-demand industry''; and
(ii) by striking the ``and'' at the end;
(G) in subparagraph (N), by striking the period at
the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(H) by adding at the end the following:
``(O) activities to develop fundamental workforce
readiness, which may include creativity, collaboration,
critical thinking, digital literacy, persistence, and
other relevant skills.''.
(3) Priority.--Section 129(c)(4) of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3164(c)(4)) is
amended to read as follows:
``(4) Priority.--
``(A) Work experiences.--Not less than 40 percent
of the funds allocated to the local area as described
in paragraph (1) shall be used to provide in-school
youth and out-of-school youth with activities under
paragraph (2)(C).
``(B) Apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships for
youth.--Not less than 12 and 1/2 percent of the funds
used for the purposes described in subparagraph (A)
shall be used to provide in-school youth and out-of-
school youth with activities under paragraph
(2)(C)(ii).''.
(4) Rule of construction.--Section 129(c)(5) of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3164(c)(5))
is amended by inserting ``or local area'' after ``youth
services''.
(5) Linkages.--Section 129(c)(7) of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3164(c)(7)) is
amended by inserting ``, secondary schools, and area career and
technical schools'' after ``agencies''.
(6) Individual training accounts.--Section 129(c) of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3164(c)) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(9) Individual training accounts.--
``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B),
funds allocated pursuant to paragraph (1) to a local
area may be used to pay, through an individual training
account, an eligible provider of training services
described in section 122(d) for training services
described in section 134(c)(3) provided to in-school
youth who are not younger than age 16 and not older
than age 21 and out-of-school youth, in the same manner
that an individual training account is used to pay an
eligible provider of training services under section
134(c)(3)(F)(iii) for training services provided to an
adult or dislocated worker.
``(B) Special rule for in-school youth younger than
age 18.--To use an individual training account to pay
for a program of training services that will take place
during regular school hours for an in-school youth who
is younger than the age 18, the local area shall
receive written approval from the secondary school at
which the in-school youth is enrolled prior to the
start of the program of training services.''.
(7) Summer and year-round employment opportunities
requirements.--Section 129(c) of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3164(c)) is further amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(10) Summer and year-round employment opportunities
requirements.--
``(A) In general.--A summer employment opportunity
or a year-round employment opportunity referred to in
paragraph (2)(C)(i) shall be a program that matches
eligible youth participating in such program with an
appropriate employer (based on factors including the
needs of the employer and the age, skill, and informed
aspirations of the eligible youth) that--
``(i) shall include--
``(I) a component of occupational
skills education; and
``(II) not less than 2 of the
activities described in subparagraphs
(G), (H), (I), (K), (M), and (O) of
paragraph (2);
``(ii) may not use funds allocated under
this chapter to subsidize more than 50 percent
of the wages of each eligible youth participant
in such program;
``(iii) in the case of a summer employment
opportunity, complies with the requirements of
subparagraph (B); and
``(iv) in the case of a year-round
employment opportunity, complies with the
requirements of subparagraph (C).
``(B) Summer employment opportunity.--In addition
to the applicable requirements described in
subparagraph (A), a summer employment opportunity--
``(i) may not be less than 4 weeks; and
``(ii) may not pay less than the highest
applicable wage required by the applicable
Federal, State, or local minimum wage law.
``(C) Year-round employment opportunity.--In
addition to the applicable requirements described in
subparagraph (A), a year-round employment opportunity--
``(i) may not be shorter than 180 days or
longer than 1 year;
``(ii) may not pay less than the highest
applicable wage required by the applicable
Federal, State, or local minimum wage law; and
``(iii) may not employ the eligible youth
for less than 20 hours per week, except in
instances when the eligible youth are under the
age of 18 or enrolled in school.
``(D) Priority.--In selecting summer employment
opportunities or year-round employment opportunities
for purposes of paragraph (2)(C)(i), a local area shall
give priority to such opportunities that meet the
requirements of this paragraph and that are in existing
or emerging high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand
industry sectors or occupations.''.
(8) Conforming amendment.--Section 129(c)(3)(B) of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C.
3164(c)(3)(B)) is amended by striking ``basic skills'' and
inserting ``foundational skill needs''.
CHAPTER 3--ADULT AND DISLOCATED WORKER EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING
ACTIVITIES
SEC. 141. STATE ALLOTMENTS.
Section 132(a)(2)(A) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity
Act (29 U.S.C. 3172(a)(2)(A)) is amended by--
(1) striking ``, 169(c) (relating to dislocated worker
projects),''; and
(2) by inserting ``, and under subsections (c) (related to
dislocated worker projects) and (d) (related to workforce data
quality initiatives) of section 169'' before ``; and''
SEC. 142. RESERVATIONS FOR STATE ACTIVITIES; WITHIN STATE ALLOCATIONS;
REALLOCATION.
(a) Reservations for State Activities.--Section 133(a) of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3173(a)) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``section 128(a)'' and
inserting ``section 128(a)(1)''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Critical industry skills fund, and industry or sector
partnership and career pathways fund.--In addition to the
reservations required under paragraphs (1) and (2), the
Governor may make the reservation authorized under section
128(a)(3).''.
(b) Within State Allocations.--Section 133(b)(1) of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3173(b)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``subsection (a)(1)''
and inserting ``paragraph (1) or (3) of subsection (a)''; and
(2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``paragraph (1) or (2)
of subsection (a)'' and inserting ``paragraph (1), (2), or (3)
of subsection (a)''.
(c) Reallocation Among Local Areas.--Section 133(c) of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3173(c)) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by inserting before the period at the
end, the following: ``as performance-based incentive
payments'';
(2) in paragraph (4)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) by striking ``that does not'' and
inserting the following: ``that--
``(i) does not'';
(ii) by striking ``; and'' and inserting a
semicolon; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(ii) has met or exceeded an average of
100 percent of the local level of performance
described in section 116(c)(1)(B) for the local
area across all indicators for the adult
program authorized under this chapter for the
most recent program year for which performance
data is available; and
``(iii) was not subject to corrective
action by the Governor under section
184(a)(5)(A) for a determination of non-
compliance with the uniform administrative
requirements described in section 184(a)(3) for
the program year for which the determination
under paragraph (2) is made; and''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) by striking ``that does not'' and
inserting the following: ``that--
``(i) does not'';
(ii) by striking the period at the end and
inserting a semicolon; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(ii) has met or exceeded an average of
100 percent of the local level of performance
described in section 116(c)(1)(B) for the local
area across all indicators for the dislocated
worker program authorized under this chapter
for the most recent program year for which
performance data is available; and
``(iii) was not subject to corrective
action by the Governor under section
184(a)(5)(A) for a determination of non-
compliance with the uniform administrative
requirements described in section 184(a)(3) for
the program year for which the determination
under paragraph (2) is made; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) Use of incentive funds.--Any amounts provided to a
local area as a performance incentive payment under this
subsection shall not be subject to the requirements described
in section 134(c)(1)(B).''.
SEC. 143. USE OF FUNDS FOR EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING ACTIVITIES.
(a) Statewide Employment and Training Activities.--
(1) In general.--Section 134(a)(1) of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3174(a)(1))--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(B) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by
striking ``128(a)'' and inserting
``128(a)(1)''; and
(ii) by amending clause (ii) to read as
follows:
``(ii) may be used to carry out any of the
statewide employment and training activities
described in paragraph (3) (including
establishing and administering any one, or
both, of the funds referred to in subparagraph
(C));''; and
(C) by inserting before the flush left text at the
end the following:
``(C) as described in section 128(a)(3), shall be
used to establish and administer any one, or both, of
the following:
``(i) a critical industry skills fund
described in paragraph (4); or
``(ii) an industry or sector partnership
and career pathways development fund described
in paragraph (5),''.
(2) Required statewide employment and training
activities.--
(A) Statewide rapid response activities.--Section
134(a)(2)(A) of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3174(a)(2)(A)) is amended--
(i) in clause (i)--
(I) in subclause (I)--
(aa) by striking
``working'' and inserting ``as
a rapid response unit
working''; and
(bb) by striking ``and'' at
the end;
(II) in subclause (II), by striking
the period at the end and inserting ``;
and''; and
(III) by adding at the end the
following:
``(III) provision of additional
assistance to any local area that has
excess demand for individual training
accounts for dislocated workers in such
local area and requests such additional
assistance under this subclause in
accordance with paragraph (4) of
section 414(c) of the American
Competitiveness and Workforce
Improvement Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C.
3224a(5)), upon a determination by the
State that, in using funds allocated to
such local area pursuant to paragraph
(1) of such section 414(c) and in using
funds as required under subsection
(c)(1)(B) of this section for the
purpose described in paragraph (2)(A)
of such section 414(c)), the local area
is in compliance with the requirements
of such section 414(c).''; and
(ii) by adding at the end the following:
``(iii) Insufficient funds to meet excess
demand.--If a State determines that a local
area with excess demand as described in clause
(i)(III) has met the compliance requirements
described in such clause, but the State does
not have sufficient funds reserved under
section 133(a)(2) to meet such excess demand,
the State--
``(I) shall notify the Secretary of
such excess demand; and
``(II) if eligible, may apply for a
national dislocated worker grant under
section 170 of this Act.''.
(B) Statewide employment and training activities.--
Section 134(a)(2)(B) of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3174(a)(2)(B) is amended--
(i) in clause (i)--
(I) in subclause (III), by striking
``and'' at the end;
(II) by amending subclause (IV) to
read as follows:
``(IV) local areas, one-stop
operators, one-stop partners, and
eligible providers, including the
development and training of staff,
which may include--
``(aa) the development and
training of staff to provide
information about wage levels
and available benefits across
in-demand industry sectors or
occupations, and information
about opportunities for
individuals with barriers to
employment to enter in-demand
industry sectors or occupations
and nontraditional occupations;
``(bb) providing capacity
building and technical
assistance to State board and
local board members on the
development of exemplary
program activities;
``(cc) the development and
education of staff to increase
expertise in providing
opportunities for covered
veterans (as defined in section
4212(a)(3)(A) of title 38,
United States Code) to enter
in-demand industry sectors or
occupations and nontraditional
occupations: and
``(dd) the provision of
technical assistance to local
areas that fail to meet local
performance accountability
measures described in section
116(c); and''; and
(III) by adding at the end the
following:
``(V) local boards and eligible
providers of training services in
carrying out the performance reporting
required under section 116(d),
including facilitating data matches for
program participants--
``(aa) using quarterly wage
record information (including
the wage records made available
by any other State and
information provided from the
National Directory of New Hires
in accordance with section
453(j)(8) of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C.
653(j)(8))); and
``(bb) other sources of
information, as necessary to
measure the performance of
programs and activities
conducted under this chapter or
chapter 2 of this subtitle;'';
(ii) in clause (ii), by striking ``section
106(b)(7)'' and inserting ``section
106(b)(6)'';
(iii) in clause (iii), by striking
``section 116(i)'' and inserting ``section
116(j)''; and
(iv) in clause (v)--
(I) in subclause (II)--
(aa) by striking
``customized training'' and
inserting ``employer-directed
skills development''; and
(bb) by striking
``transitional jobs'' and
inserting ``transitional jobs,
or sponsors of apprenticeships
and pre-apprenticeships'';
(II) in subclause (III), by
inserting ``, including business
engaged in joint labor-management
partnerships'' before the semicolon;
(III) by redesignating subclauses
(V) and (VI) as subclauses (VI) and
(VII), respectively;
(IV) by inserting after subclause
(IV) the following:
``(V) information on effective
coordination of supportive services for
workers and jobseekers;'';
(V) in subclause (VI), as so
redesignated--
(aa) by striking
``subsections (d) and (h) of
section 122'' and inserting
``subsections (d) and (i) of
section 122''; and
(bb) by striking ``and'' at
the end; and
(VI) by adding at the end the
following:
``(VIII) information to
participants on understanding and
accessing State-administered programs
and services available to
jobseekers;'';
(v) by redesignating clause (vi) as clause
(vii);
(vi) by inserting after clause (v) the
following:
``(vi) notifying participants of an
eligible program of training services whose
participation is funded under this Act, if such
program's status as an eligible program of
training services is revoked under section
122(c)(4);'';
(vii) in clause (vii), as so redesignated,
by striking the period at the end and inserting
a semicolon; and
(viii) by adding at the end the following:
``(viii) coordinating (which may be done in
partnership with other States) with industry
organizations, employers (including small and
mid-sized employers), industry or sector
partnerships, training providers, local boards,
and institutions of higher education to
identify or develop competency-based
assessments that are a valid and reliable
method of collecting information with respect
to, and measuring, the prior knowledge, skills,
and abilities of individuals who are adults or
dislocated workers for the purpose of--
``(I) awarding, based on the
knowledge, skills, and abilities of
such an individual validated by such
assessments--
``(aa) a recognized
postsecondary credential that
is used by employers in the
State for recruitment, hiring,
retention, or advancement
purposes;
``(bb) postsecondary credit
toward a recognized
postsecondary credential
aligned with in-demand industry
sectors and occupations in the
State for the purpose of
accelerating attainment of such
credential; and
``(cc) postsecondary credit
for progress along a career
pathway developed by the State
or a local area within the
State;
``(II) developing individual
employment plans under subsection
(c)(2)(B)(vii)(II) that incorporate the
knowledge, skills, and abilities of
such an individual to identify--
``(aa) in-demand industry
sectors or occupations that
require similar knowledge,
skills, and abilities; and
``(bb) any upskilling
needed for the individual to
secure employment in such a
sector or occupation; and
``(III) helping such an individual
communicate such knowledge, skills, and
abilities to prospective employers
through a skills-based resume, profile,
or portfolio; and
``(ix) disseminating to local areas and
employers information relating to the
competency-based assessments identified or
developed pursuant to clause (viii),
including--
``(I) any credential or credit
awarded pursuant to items (aa) through
(cc) of clause (viii)(I);
``(II) the industry organizations,
employers, training providers, and
institutions of higher education
located within the State that recognize
the knowledge, skills, and abilities of
an individual validated by such
assessments;
``(III) how such assessments may be
provided to, and accessed by,
individuals through the one-stop
delivery system; and
``(IV) information on the extent to
which such assessments are being used
by employers and local areas in the
State.''.
(3) Allowable statewide employment and training
activities.--Section 134(a)(3)(A) of the Workforce Innovation
and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3174(a)(3)(A))--
(A) in clause (i)--
(i) by inserting ``or evidence-based''
after ``innovative'';
(ii) by inserting ``local communities and''
after ``needs of'';
(iii) by striking ``customized training''
and inserting ``employer-directed skills
development'';
(iv) by inserting ``and partnerships with''
after ``utilization of'';
(v) by inserting ``and labor-management
partnerships'' after ``business
intermediaries''; and
(vi) by inserting ``and medium-sized''
before ``employers) in the State, and'';
(B) in clause (ii)--
(i) by inserting ``, or bringing evidence-
based strategies to scale,'' after
``strategies''; and
(ii) by inserting ``supporting such
individuals in achieving economic self-
sufficiency and mobility, and'' after
``employment and'';
(C) in clause (iii)--
(i) by striking `` and prior learning
assessment to'' and inserting ``, prior
learning assessment, or a competency-based
assessment identified or developed by the State
under paragraph (2)(B)(viii), to''; and
(ii) by striking ``stackable'' and
inserting ``permit articulation into higher
level degree or other credential programs'';
(D) in clause (iv), by inserting ``, which may
include on-the job training, employer-directed skills
development, transitional jobs, industry or sector
partnerships, apprenticeships, and other programs''
after ``employment'';
(E) in clause (viii)--
(i) in subclause (I), by inserting ``,
including such activities funded through other
Federal and State laws'' after ``development
activities''; and
(ii) in subclause (II)--
(I) in item (cc), by inserting
``activities carried out by
comprehensive transition and
postsecondary programs for students
with intellectual disabilities
established under section 767 of the
Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1140g),'' after ``developmental
disabilities,'';
(II) in item (dd), by striking
``activities, including those'' and
inserting ``activities and services to
promote digital literacy skills,
including activities and services'';
(III) by adding at the end the
following:
``(gg) programs under the
Older Americans Act of 1965 (42
U.S.C. 3001 et seq.) that
support employment and economic
security; and'';
(F) in clause (xi), by inserting ``that exceed the
local levels of performance'' after ``local areas'';
(G) in clause (xiii), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(H) in clause (xiv)--
(i) by inserting ``conducting feasibility
studies for the effectiveness of such
strategies in meeting the employment and skills
development needs of target populations in the
local areas that are using such feasibility
studies,'' after ``data collection,''; and
(ii) by striking the period at the end and
inserting a semicolon; and
(I) by adding at the end the following:
``(xv) supporting employers seeking to
implement skills-based hiring practices, which
may include technical assistance on the use and
validation of employment assessments (including
competency-based assessments developed or
identified by the State pursuant to paragraph
(2)(B)(viii)), and support in the creation of
skills-based job descriptions;
``(xvi) developing partnerships between
educational institutions (including area career
and technical education schools, local
educational agencies, and institutions of
higher education) and employers to create or
improve workforce development programs to
address the identified education and skill
needs of the workforce and the employment needs
of employers in regions of the State, as
determined by the most recent analysis
conducted under subparagraphs (A), (B), and (D)
of section 102(b)(1);
``(xvii) identifying and making available
to residents of the State, free or reduced cost
access to online skills development programs
that are aligned with in-demand industries or
occupations in the State and lead to attainment
of a recognized postsecondary credential valued
by employers in such industries or occupations;
``(xviii) establishing and administering a
critical industry skills fund described in
paragraph (4); and
``(xix) establishing and administering an
industry or sector partnership and career
pathways development fund described in
paragraph (5).''.
(4) Critical industry skills fund.--Section 134(a) of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3174(a)),
as amended, is further amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(4) Critical industry skills fund.--
``(A) Performance-based payments.--In addition to
the funds described in paragraph (3)(A), a State may
use any funds reserved under paragraph (3)(A) of
section 128(a) to establish and administer a critical
industry skills fund to award performance-based
payments on a per-worker basis to eligible entities
that provide, to prospective workers or incumbent
workers (which may include youth age 18 through age
24), eligible skills development programs that are in
any of the industries and occupations identified by the
Governor (in consultation with the State board) for
purposes of this paragraph, and that will result in
employment or retention with an employer in such an
industry or occupation (in this paragraph referred to
as a `participating employer').
``(B) Optional priority.--The Governor (in
consultation with the State board) may select the
industries and occupations identified under
subparagraph (A) that should be prioritized under this
paragraph.
``(C) Submission of proposals.--To be eligible to
receive a payment under the critical industry skills
fund established under this paragraph by a State, an
eligible entity shall submit to the Governor, a
proposal describing the eligible skills development
program to be provided by the eligible entity under
this paragraph, in such form, at such time, and
containing such information, as the Governor may
reasonably require.
``(D) Reimbursement for approved proposals.--
``(i) State requirements.--
``(I) In general.--With respect to
each eligible entity whose proposal
under subparagraph (C) has been
approved by the Governor, the Governor
shall make payments (in an amount
determined by the Governor and subject
to the requirements of subclause (II)
of this clause, subparagraph (E), and
any other limitations determined
necessary by the State) from the
critical industry skills fund
established under this paragraph to
such eligible entity for each
participant of the eligible skills
development program described in such
proposal and with respect to whom the
eligible entity meets the requirements
of clause (ii).
``(II) Payments.--In making
payments to an eligible entity under
subclause (I) with respect to a
participant--
``(aa) a portion of the
total payment shall be made
after the participant
successfully completes the
eligible skills development
program offered by the eligible
entity; and
``(bb) the remainder of
such total payment shall be
made after the participant has
been employed by the
participating employer of the
eligible entity for the 6-month
period after successful
completion of the program.
``(ii) Eligible entity requirements.--To be
eligible to receive the payments described in
clause (i) with respect to a participant, an
eligible entity shall submit such documentation
as the Governor determines necessary to verify
whether the participant meets the requirements
of items (aa) and (bb) of clause (i)(II), and
to comply with the performance reporting
described in subparagraph (F).
``(E) Non-federal cost sharing.--
``(i) Limits on federal share.--An eligible
entity may not receive funds under subparagraph
(D) with respect to a participant of the
eligible skills development program offered by
the eligible entity in excess of the following
costs of such program with respect to such
participant:
``(I) In the case of a
participating employer of such eligible
entity with 25 or fewer employees, 90
percent of the costs.
``(II) In the case of a
participating employer of such eligible
entity with more than 25 employees, but
fewer than 100 employees, 75 percent of
the costs.
``(III) In the case of a
participating employer of such eligible
entity with 100 or more employees, 50
percent of the costs.
``(ii) Non-federal share.--
``(I) In general.--Any costs of the
eligible skills development program
offered to a participant by such
eligible entity that are not covered by
the funds received under subparagraph
(D) shall be the non-Federal share
provided by the eligible entity (in
cash or in-kind).
``(II) Employer cost sharing.--If
the eligible skills development program
is being provided on-the-job, the non-
Federal share provided by an eligible
entity may include the amount of the
wages paid by the participating
employer of the eligible entity to a
participant while such participant is
receiving the training.
``(F) Performance reporting.--Using the participant
information provided by eligible entities under
subparagraph (D)(ii), the State shall submit to the
Secretary a report, on an annual basis, with respect to
all participants for which the eligible entities
received funds under this paragraph for the most recent
program year, which shall include--
``(i) the number of individuals who
participated in eligible skills development
programs provided by such eligible entities
through the critical industry skills fund under
this paragraph; and
``(ii) the performance of such participants
on the primary indicators of performance
described in subclauses (I) through (III) of
section 116(b)(2)(A)(i).
``(G) Definitions.--In this paragraph:
``(i) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible
entity' means--
``(I) a participating employer or a
group of participating employers;
``(II) an industry or sector
partnership that includes a
participating employer; or
``(III) another entity serving as
an intermediary (such as a local board)
that is in partnership with a
participating employer.
``(ii) Eligible skills development
program.--The term `eligible skills development
program', when used with respect to an eligible
entity--
``(I) means a program with respect
to which a State may set a maximum and
minimum length (in weeks);
``(II) includes work-based
education or related occupational
skills instruction that--
``(aa) develops the
specific technical skills
necessary for successful
performance of the occupations
in which participants are to be
employed upon completion; and
``(bb) may be provided--
``(AA) by the
eligible entity; or
``(BB) by any
training provider that
is selected by the
eligible entity and
without regard to
whether such provider
is on a list of
eligible providers of
training services
described in section
122(d); and
``(III) does not include employee
onboarding, orientation, or
professional development generally
provided to employees.''.
(5) Industry or sector partnership and career pathways
development fund.--Section 134(a) of the Workforce Innovation
and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3174(a)), as amended, is further
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(5) Industry or sector partnership and career pathways
development fund.--
``(A) Purpose.--The purpose of this paragraph is to
establish new or expand existing industry or sector
partnerships and career pathway programs to encourage
regional economic growth and competitiveness, and
improve worker training, retention, and advancement.
``(B) Description of fund.--In addition to the
funds described in paragraph (3)(A), a State may use
any funds reserved under paragraph (3)(A) of section
128(a) to establish and administer an industry or
sector partnership and career pathways development fund
to award grants to eligible partnerships to establish
or expand industry or sector partnerships that include
employers in a high-growth or high-wage industry of the
State in order to meet the following objectives:
``(i) Build capacity among such
partnerships to prepare jobseekers and
incumbent workers participating in such
partnerships for careers in such a high-growth
or high-wage industry.
``(ii) Leverage the capacity of such
partnerships to develop, improve, expand, or
implement education, employment, and training
opportunities for individuals with barriers to
employment.
``(iii) Strengthen coordination between
such industry or sector partnerships and one-
stop partners for the local areas involved that
are described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of
section 121(b).
``(iv) Develop or expand a career pathway
program that utilizes integrated education and
training strategies and supports multiple
points of entry and exit for working learners.
``(C) Duration.--Each grant awarded under this
paragraph shall be for a period of not more than 2
years.
``(D) Award basis.--
``(i) Geographic diversity.--The Governor
shall award grants under this paragraph in a
manner that ensures geographic diversity in the
areas in the State in which activities will be
carried out under the grants.
``(ii) Priority.--In awarding grants under
this paragraph, the Governor shall give
priority consideration to eligible partnerships
that--
``(I) include (or will include) as
a partner in the industry or sector
partnership to be established or
expanded under this paragraph, a 2-year
public institution of higher education;
``(II) demonstrate long-term
sustainability of such industry or
sector partnership; and
``(III) demonstrate the ability of
such industry or sector partnership to
serve individuals who--
``(aa) are individuals with
a barrier to employment,
including individuals with
disabilities;
``(bb) are facing
significant worker dislocation
due to a disruption or change
in the regional or State
economy or labor market;
``(cc) have traditionally
been underserved by regional
economic development and sector
partnership activities
(including rural areas in the
State); or
``(dd) are--
``(AA) out-of-
school youth,
disadvantaged youth, or
disadvantaged adults;
or
``(BB) unemployed
individuals, within the
meaning of section
6(b)(1)(B) of the
Wagner-Peyser Act (29
U.S.C. 49e(b)(1)(B)).
``(iii) Additional optional priority.--In
awarding grants under this paragraph, in
addition to the priority consideration required
under clause (ii), the Governor may give
priority consideration to eligible partnerships
that include, or will include, as a partner in
the industry or sector partnership to be
established or expanded under this section--
``(I) a 4-year public institution
of higher education at which the
highest degree that is predominantly
awarded to students is an associate
degree; or
``(II) a 2-year Tribal College or
University (as defined in section
316(b) of the Higher Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059c(b)).
``(E) Application.--
``(i) In general.--An eligible partnership
seeking a grant under this paragraph shall
submit an application to the Governor at such
time, in such manner, and containing such
information as the Governor may reasonably
require, including the contents described in
clause (ii).
``(ii) Contents.--An eligible partnership
seeking a grant under this paragraph shall
submit an application to the Governor under
clause (i) containing, at minimum--
``(I) a description of the eligible
partnership, and the industry or sector
partnership that will be established or
expanded with such grant;
``(II) the expected participation
and responsibilities of each of the
partners that will be included in such
industry or sector partnership;
``(III) a description of the high-
growth or high-wage industry sector to
be served by such industry or sector
partnership, and a description of how
such industry sector was identified;
``(IV) a description of the workers
and other individuals who will be
targeted or recruited by such industry
or sector partnership, including the
number of workers and other individuals
who will be served by the partnership;
``(V) an analysis of the existing
labor market to be served by such
industry or sector partnership, which
includes--
``(aa) a description of
potential barriers to
employment for the targeted
workers and other individuals;
``(bb) the estimated share
of such workers and other
individuals who are individuals
with a barrier to employment;
and
``(cc) a description of
strategies that will be
developed to help such workers
and other individuals overcome
such barriers;
``(VI) a description of the Federal
and non-Federal resources, available
under provisions of law other than this
paragraph, that will be leveraged in
support of such industry or sector
partnership and the activities carried
out by the partnership under this
paragraph;
``(VII) a description, using
common, linked, open-data descriptive
language, of the recognized
postsecondary credential that will be
provided to individuals who
successfully complete the education and
training program provided through an
education provider in such industry or
sector partnership;
``(VIII) an assurance that any
eligible provider of training services
in such industry or sector partnership
is on a list of eligible providers of
training services described in section
122(d); and
``(IX) a commitment from a
participating employer in such industry
or sector partnership to employ each
participant of such education and
training program (which may be a career
pathway program) for not less than a 1-
year period, in accordance with the
employment policies of such employer,
after successful completion of the
training portion of the education and
training program operated by such
participating employer.
``(F) Uses of funds.--
``(i) In general.--An eligible partnership
awarded a grant under this paragraph shall use
such grant funds to establish a new industry or
sector partnership or expand the industry or
sector partnership of the eligible partnership
to meet the objectives listed in subparagraph
(B)--
``(I) by engaging businesses in
accordance with clause (iii); and
``(II) by carrying out an education
and training program that--
``(aa) leads to the
recognized postsecondary
credential described in the
eligible partnership's
application in subparagraph
(E)(ii)(VII);
``(bb) includes an
apprenticeship, work-based
learning, or on-the-job
training program that leads to
an employment commitment
described in subparagraph
(E)(ii)(IX) with a
participating employer of the
industry or sector partnership;
``(cc) may include the
development or expansion of a
new or existing career pathway
program as described in clause
(iv); and
``(dd) may include the
provision of supportive
services as described in clause
(v).
``(ii) Planning activities.--An eligible
partnership receiving a grant under this
paragraph may use not more than 20 percent of
the grant funds to carry out planning
activities during the first year of the grant
period that are necessary to establish a new
industry or sector partnership or expand the
industry or sector partnership of the eligible
partnership, which may include--
``(I) recruiting key stakeholders
in the high-growth or high-wage
industry to be served by such industry
or sector partnership;
``(II) conducting outreach to local
businesses, employers, labor
organizations, local boards, education
and training providers, and business
and employer associations;
``(III) identifying, through an
evaluation, the training needs of
multiple businesses in the high-growth
or high-wage industry, including
identifying any needs for--
``(aa) skills critical to
competitiveness and innovation
in the high-growth or high-wage
industry;
``(bb) an education and
training program, including any
apprenticeship program or other
work-based learning program
supported by the grant; and
``(cc) the usage of career
pathways to align education and
training with job openings in
the high-growth or high-wage
industry; and
``(IV) recruiting individuals with
barriers to employment to participate
in the education and training program.
``(iii) Business engagement.--An industry
or sector partnership established or expanded
with a grant under this paragraph shall use the
grant funds to engage businesses (including
small and medium-sized businesses that are in
the high-growth or high-wage industry and that
may be a participating employer of the
partnership) in the establishment and
implementation of an apprenticeship, work-based
learning, or on-the-job training program
offered through the education and training
program of the partnership, and which may
include--
``(I) the navigation of the
registration process for a sponsor of
such an apprenticeship program;
``(II) the connection of the
business with an education provider in
the industry or sector partnership to
develop classroom instruction to
complement learning through such an
apprenticeship, work-based learning, or
on-the-job training program;
``(III) the development of such a
work-based learning program;
``(IV) the provision of career
awareness activities for participants
of such an apprenticeship, work-based
learning, or on-the-job training
program, such as career guidance and
academic counseling;
``(V) the recruitment of
individuals with barriers to employment
to participate in such an
apprenticeship, work-based learning, or
on-the-job training program; and
``(VI) other evidence-based
approaches to connecting businesses
with workers and establishing pathways
to unsubsidized employment for
individuals participating in the
education and training program and
other programs funded under this title.
``(iv) Career pathway programs.--
``(I) In general.--An industry or
sector partnership established or
expanded with a grant under this
paragraph may use such grant funds for
the development or expansion of a new
or existing career pathway program that
utilizes integrated education and
training strategies and supports
multiple entry and exit points for
working students and other working
participants, which may include--
``(aa) dual-enrollment
approaches for participants,
including youth, seeking to
participate in a career pathway
program; and
``(bb) strategies that help
working students and other
nontraditional and adult
student populations access
skills and the recognized
postsecondary credentials
described in subparagraph
(E)(ii)(VII) of the eligible
partnership's application.
``(II) Authorized activities.--In
establishing or expanding such new or
existing career pathway program, the
industry or sector partnership may use
a grant under this paragraph for--
``(aa) the provision of
evidence-based professional
development for faculty and
other staff of an education
provider in the industry or
sector partnership;
``(bb) the acquisition of
equipment necessary to support
the delivery of the career
pathway program; and
``(cc) any other evidence-
based activities to support the
development or implementation
of the career pathway program.
``(v) Supportive services.--In accordance
with section 181(h), an industry or sector
partnership established or expanded with a
grant under this paragraph may use such grant
funds to provide supportive services to support
the success of individuals, including
individuals with barriers to employment, who
are participating in training services, as
described in subsection (c)(3)(D), which are
offered through such partnership.
``(G) Designation of a fiscal agent.--An eligible
partnership receiving a grant under this paragraph
shall designate an entity of the eligible partnership
as the fiscal agent for the receipt, management, and
expenditure of the grant funds.
``(H) Non-federal cost sharing.--
``(i) Limits on federal share.--An industry
or sector partnership established or expanded
with a grant under this paragraph may not
receive such grant funds for purposes of
funding the education and training program
offered through such partnership in excess of
the following costs of establishing, operating,
and sustaining such program:
``(I) In the case in which the
participating employers in such
eligible partnership employ 25 or fewer
employees, 70 percent of the costs.
``(II) In the case in which the
participating employers in such
eligible partnership employ more than
25 employees, but fewer than 100
employees, 55 percent of the costs.
``(III) In the case in which the
participating employers in such
eligible partnership employ 100 or more
employees, 40 percent of the costs.
``(ii) Non-federal share.--Any costs of
establishing, operating, and sustaining such
program that are not covered by the grant
received under this paragraph shall be the non-
Federal share provided by the industry or
sector partnership.
``(I) Performance reporting.--Not later than 2
years after the first award of funds under this
paragraph is made by the Governor and on an annual
basis thereafter, the Governor shall prepare and submit
to the Secretary a report with respect to the
participants served by each eligible partnership
receiving funds under this paragraph in the most recent
program year, which report shall include--
``(i) levels of performance achieved by the
eligible partnership, with respect to the
primary indicators of performance under clause
(i) or (ii) of section 116(b)(2)(A), as
applicable, for all individuals served by the
eligible partnership, disaggregated by race,
ethnicity, sex, disability status, and age; and
``(ii) levels of performance achieved by
the eligible partnership with respect to the
primary indicators of performance under clause
(i) or (ii) of section 116(b)(2)(A), as
applicable, for individuals with barriers to
employment served by the eligible partnership,
disaggregated by race, ethnicity, sex,
disability status, and age.
``(J) Availability of report.--The report submitted
by eligible partnerships under subparagraph (I) shall--
``(i) be made digitally available by the
Secretary using linked, open, and interoperable
data; and
``(ii) include the number of individuals
who were served by each such eligible
partnership.
``(K) Limit on administrative costs.--An eligible
partnership receiving a grant under this paragraph may
not use more than 10 percent of the grant funds for
administrative costs.
``(L) Definitions.--In this paragraph:
``(i) Eligible partnership.--The term
`eligible partnership' means--
``(I) an industry or sector
partnership that--
``(aa) includes a
participating employer; and
``(bb) is seeking to
further implement or expand
such industry or sector
partnership; or
``(II) a workforce collaborative
that is seeking to become an industry
or sector partnership that includes a
participating employer.
``(ii) High-growth or high-wage industry.--
The term `high-growth or high-wage industry',
when used with respect to an eligible
partnership, means an industry that--
``(I) has, or is expected to have,
a high rate of growth and an unmet
demand for skilled workers, as
determined by the Governor of the State
in which the eligible partnership is
located;
``(II) has been designated by the
Governor as an in-demand industry
experiencing high growth in such State;
and
``(III) includes occupations
determined by the Governor--
``(aa) with wages that are
significantly higher than an
occupation of similar level of
skill or needed skill
development; or
``(bb) that are aligned
with career pathways into
higher wage occupations.
``(iii) Participating employer.--The term
`participating employer', when used with
respect to an eligible partnership, means an
employer in a high-growth or high-wage industry
that is (or will be) part of the industry or
sector partnership that will be expanded (or
established) by the eligible partnership under
this paragraph.''.
(b) Required Local Employment and Training Activities.--
(1) Minimum amount for skills development.--Section
134(c)(1) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3174(c)(1)) is amended--
(A) in subparagraph (A)(iv), by striking ``to'' and
inserting ``to provide business services described in
paragraph (4) and'';
(B) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as
subparagraph (C); and
(C) by inserting after subparagraph (A), as so
amended, the following:
``(B) Minimum amount for skills development.--
``(i) In general.--Subject to clause (ii),
not less than 50 percent of the funds described
in subparagraph (A) shall be used by the local
area--
``(I) for the payment of training
services--
``(aa) provided to adults
under paragraph (3)(F)(iii);
and
``(bb) provided to adults
and dislocated workers under
paragraph (3)(G)(ii); and
``(II) for the payment of training
services under paragraph (2)(A) of
section 414(c) of the American
Competitiveness and Workforce
Improvement Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C.
3224a(c)) after funds allocated to such
local area under paragraph (1) of such
section 414(c) have been exhausted.
``(ii) Exception.--With respect to a local
area that uses any funds described in
subparagraph (A) to provide supportive
services, in accordance with subsection (d)(2)
of this section, for adults and dislocated
workers who are participating in training
services, or individualized career services
described in clauses (iii) and (vii) of
paragraph (2)(B) that enable participation in
training services, each percentage of such
funds so used shall reduce, by one percentage
point, the percentage of such funds required to
be used by such local area in accordance with
clause (i), except that such percentage of
funds may not be reduced by more than 10
percentage points pursuant to this clause.'';
and
(D) in subparagraph (C), as so redesignated, by
striking ``and (ii)'' and inserting ``, (ii), and
(iv)''.
(2) Career services.--Section 134(c)(2) of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3174(c)(2)) is
amended--
(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (C)
as subparagraphs (B) through (D), respectively;
(B) by inserting before subparagraph (B), as so
redesignated, the following:
``(A) Basic career services.--
``(i) In general.--The one-stop delivery
system--
``(I) shall coordinate with the
Employment Service office colocated
with the one-stop delivery system for
such Employment Service office to
provide, using the funds allotted to
the State under section 6 of the
Wagner-Peyser Act (29 U.S.C. 49e),
basic career services, which--
``(aa) shall--
``(AA) include, at
a minimum, the services
listed in clause (ii);
and
``(BB) be available
to individuals who are
adults or dislocated
workers in an
integrated manner to
streamline access to
assistance for such
individuals, to avoid
duplication of
services, and to
enhance coordination of
services; and
``(bb) may include access
to talent marketplaces; and
``(II) may use funds allocated
under paragraph (1), as necessary, to
supplement the services that are
provided pursuant to subclause (I) to
individuals who are adults or
dislocated workers.
``(ii) Services.--The basic career services
provided pursuant to clause (i) shall include--
``(I) provision of workforce and
labor market employment statistics
information, including the provision of
accurate (and, to the extent
practicable, real-time) information
relating to local, regional, and
national labor market areas,
including--
``(aa) job vacancy listings
in such labor market areas;
``(bb) information on job
skills necessary to obtain the
jobs included on such listings;
and
``(cc) information relating
to local occupations in demand
(which may include
entrepreneurship
opportunities), and the
earnings, skill requirements,
and opportunities for
advancement for such
occupations;
``(II) labor exchange services,
including job search and placement
assistance and, in appropriate cases,
career counseling, including--
``(aa) provision of
information on in-demand
industry sectors and
occupations;
``(bb) provision of
information on nontraditional
employment; and
``(cc) provision of
information on
entrepreneurship, as
appropriate;
``(III)(aa) provision of
information, in formats that are usable
by and understandable to one-stop
center customers, relating to the
availability of supportive services or
assistance, including child care, child
support, medical or child health
assistance under title XIX or XXI of
the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396
et seq. and 1397aa et seq.), benefits
under the supplemental nutrition
assistance program established under
the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7
U.S.C. 2011 et seq.), assistance
through the earned income tax credit
under section 32 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, and assistance
under a State program for temporary
assistance for needy families funded
under part A of title IV of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.)
and other supportive services and
transportation provided through funds
made available under such part,
available in the local area; and
``(bb) referral to the services or
assistance described in item (aa), as
appropriate;
``(IV) provision of information and
assistance regarding filing claims for
unemployment compensation; and
``(V) assistance in establishing
eligibility for programs of financial
aid assistance for training and
education programs that are not funded
under this Act.'';
(C) in subparagraph (B), as so redesignated--
(i) in the heading, by striking the heading
and inserting ``Individualized career'';
(ii) in the matter preceding clause (i)--
(I) by inserting ``individualized''
before ``career services''; and
(II) by inserting ``shall, to the
extent practicable, be evidence-
based,'' before ``and shall'';
(iii) in clause (iii), by inserting ``, and
a determination (considering factors including
prior work experience, military service,
education, and the in-demand industry sectors
and occupations in the local area) of whether
such an individual would benefit from a
competency-based assessment developed or
identified by the State pursuant to subsection
(a)(2)(B)(viii) to accelerate the time to
obtaining employment that leads to economic
self-sufficiency or career advancement'' before
the semi-colon at the end;
(iv) by striking clauses (iv), (vi), (ix),
(x), and (xi);
(v) by redesignating clauses (v), (vii),
(viii), (xii), and (xiii) as clauses (iv), (v),
(vi), (vii), and (viii), respectively;
(vi) in clause (v), as so redesignated, by
inserting ``and credential'' after ``by
program'';
(vii) in clause (vi), as so redesignated,
by inserting ``and in multiple languages, to
the extent practicable,'' after ``customers,'';
and
(viii) in clause (vii), as so
redesignated--
(I) in subclause (I)(aa), as so
redesignated, by inserting ``,
including a competency-based assessment
developed or identified by the State
pursuant to subsection
(a)(2)(B)(viii)'' after ``tools'';
(II) in subclause (VI), by
inserting ``digital literacy skills,''
after ``learning skills,'';
(III) in subclause (X), by striking
``or'' at the end;
(IV) in subclause (XI)--
(aa) by striking
``language''; and
(bb) by striking ``and'' at
the end and inserting ``or'';
(V) by adding at the end the
following:
``(XII) review or creation of a
resume or similar document showcasing
the skills, experience, relevant
credentials, and education of the
individual; and''.
(D) by amending subparagraph (C), as so
redesignated, to read as follows:
``(C) Use of previous assessments.--A one-stop
operator or one-stop partner shall not be required to
conduct a new interview, evaluation, or assessment of a
participant under subparagraph (B)(vii) if the one-stop
operator or one-stop partner determines that--
``(i) it is appropriate to use a recent
interview, evaluation, or assessment of the
participant conducted pursuant to another
education or training program; and
``(ii) using such recent interview,
evaluation, or assessment will accelerate an
eligibility determination.''; and
(E) in subparagraph (D), as so redesignated--
(i) in the matter preceding clause (i)--
(I) by inserting ``individualized''
before ``career''; and
(II) by striking ``subparagraph
(A)'' and inserting ``subparagraph
(B)''; and
(ii) in clause (ii), by inserting ``,
libraries, and community-based organizations''
after ``nonprofit service providers''.
(3) Training services.--Section 134(c)(3) of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3174(c)(3)) is
amended--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) in clause (i), in the matter preceding
subclause (I), by striking ``clause (ii)'' and
inserting ``clause (ii) or (iii)'';
(ii) by amending clause (i)(II) to read as
follows:
``(II) who select programs of
training services that are directly
linked to the employment
opportunities--
``(aa) in the local area or
the planning region;
``(bb) in another area to
which the adults or dislocated
workers are willing to commute
or relocate; or
``(cc) that may be
performed remotely;''.
(iii) by redesignating clause (iii) as
clause (iv);
(iv) by inserting after clause (ii) the
following:
``(iii) Employer referral.--
``(I) In general.--A one-stop
operator or one-stop partner shall not
be required to conduct an interview,
evaluation, or assessment of an
individual under clause (i) if such
individual--
``(aa) is referred by an
employer to receive on-the-job
training or employer-directed
skills development in
connection with that employer;
and
``(bb) has been certified
by the employer as being an
individual who is in need of
training services to obtain
unsubsidized employment with
such employer and who has the
skills and qualifications to
successfully participate in the
selected program of training
services.
``(II) Priority.--A one-stop
operator or one-stop partner shall
follow the priority system in effect
under subparagraph (E) to determine
whether an individual who meets the
requirements of subclause (I) of this
clause is eligible to receive training
services.''; and
(v) by adding at the end the following:
``(v) Adult education and family literacy
activities.--In the case of an individual who,
after an interview, evaluation, or assessment
under clause (i)(I), is determined to not have
the skills and qualifications to successfully
participate in the selected program of training
services under clause (i)(I)(cc), the one-stop
operator or one-stop partner shall refer such
individual to adult education and literacy
activities under title II, including for co-
enrollment in such activities, as
appropriate.'';
(B) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) in clause (i)--
(I) in subclause (I), by striking
``other grant assistance for such
services, including'' and inserting
``assistance for such services under'';
and
(II) by striking ``under other
grant assistance programs, including''
and inserting ``under''; and
(ii) by adding at the end the following:
``(iv) Participation during eligibility
determination.--An individual may participate
in a program of training services during the
period during which such individual's
eligibility for training services under
subparagraph (A)(i) is being determined, except
that the provider of such a program shall
receive reimbursement under this Act for the
individual's participation during such period
only if such individual is determined to be
eligible under subparagraph (A)(i).'';
(C) in subparagraph (D)(xi), by striking
``customized training'' and inserting ``employer-
directed skills development'';
(D) in subparagraph (E)--
(i) by striking ``are basic skills
deficient'' and inserting ``have foundational
skill needs''; and
(ii) by striking ``paragraph (2)(A)(xii)''
and inserting ``paragraph (2)(B)(vii)'';
(E) in subparagraph (F)(ii), by inserting ``and the
levels of performance for such providers on the
performance criteria described in section 122(b) for
the 2 most recent program years'' after ``in section
122(d)'';
(F) in subparagraph (G)(ii)--
(i) in subclause (II), by striking
``customized training'' and inserting
``employer-directed skills development''; and
(ii) in subclause (IV)--
(I) by striking ``is a'' and
inserting ``is an evidence-based''; and
(II) by inserting ``and to support
such individuals in gaining requisite
skills for in-demand industry sectors
or occupations in the local area,
obtaining recognized postsecondary
credentials, and entering unsubsidized
employment'' after ``employment'';
(G) in subparagraph (H)--
(i) in clause (i), in the matter preceding
subclause (I), by striking ``reimbursement
described in section 3(44)'' and inserting
``reimbursement described in section 3(48)'';
and
(ii) in clause (ii)--
(I) in subclause (I), by inserting
``, such as the extent to which
participants are individuals with
barriers to employment'' after
``participants''; and
(II) in subclause (III), by
inserting ``in an occupation or
industry sector, including whether the
skills a participant will obtain are
transferable to other employers,
occupations, or industries in the local
area or the State'' after
``opportunities''; and
(H) by adding at the end the following:
``(I) Employer-directed skills development.--An
employer may receive a contract from a local board to
provide employer-directed skills development to a
participant or group of participants if the employer
submits to the local board an agreement that
establishes--
``(i) the provider of the skills
development program, which may be the employer;
``(ii) the length of the skills development
program;
``(iii) the recognized postsecondary
credentials that will be awarded to, or the
occupational skills that will be gained by,
program participants;
``(iv) the cost of the skills development
program;
``(v) the estimated earnings of program
participants upon successful completion of the
program;
``(vi) the amount of such cost that will be
paid by the employer, which shall not be less
than the amount specified in subparagraph (C)
of section 3(19); and
``(vii) a commitment by the employer to
employ the participating individual or
individuals upon successful completion of the
program.''.
(c) Business Services.--Section 134(c) of the Workforce Innovation
and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3174(c)) is further amended by adding at
the end the following:
``(4) Business services.--Funds described in paragraph (1)
shall be used to provide appropriate recruitment and other
business services and strategies on behalf of employers,
including small employers and mid-sized employers, that meet
the workforce investment needs of area employers, as determined
by the local board and consistent with the local plan under
section 108, which services--
``(A) may be provided--
``(i) through effective business
intermediaries working in conjunction with the
local board;
``(ii) on a fee-for-service basis; or
``(iii) through the leveraging of economic
development, philanthropic, and other public
and private resources in a manner determined
appropriate by the local board; and
``(B) may include one or more of the following:
``(i) Developing and implementing industry
sector strategies (including strategies
involving industry partnerships, regional
skills alliances, industry skill panels, and
sectoral skills partnerships).
``(ii) Developing and delivering innovative
workforce investment services and strategies
for area employers, which may include career
pathways, skills upgrading, skill standard
development and certification for recognized
postsecondary credential or other employer use,
apprenticeship, developing and offering
industry-recognized credential (including
short-term industry-recognized credential)
programs, including those that support
individuals with foundational skill needs, and
other effective initiatives for meeting the
workforce investment needs of area employers
and workers.
``(iii) Assistance to area employers in
managing reductions in force in coordination
with rapid response activities provided under
subsection (a)(2)(A) and developing strategies
for the aversion of layoffs, which strategies
may include early identification of firms at
risk of layoffs, use of feasibility studies to
assess the needs of and options for at-risk
firms, and the delivery of employment and
training activities to address risk factors.
``(iv) The marketing of business services
offered under this title to appropriate area
employers, including small and mid-sized
employers.
``(v) Technical assistance or other support
to employers seeking to implement skills-based
hiring practices, which may include technical
assistance on the use and validation of
employment assessments, including competency-
based assessments developed or identified by
the State pursuant to paragraph (2)(B)(viii),
and support in the creation of skills-based job
descriptions.
``(vi) Other services described in this
subsection, including providing information and
referral to microenterprise services, as
appropriate, and specialized business services
not traditionally offered through the one-stop
delivery system.''.
(d) Permissible Local Employment and Training Activities.--
(1) Activities.--Section 134(d)(1)(A) of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3174(d)(1)(A)) is
amended--
(A) in clause (iii), by striking ``10 percent'' and
inserting ``30 percent'';
(B) in clause (v), by inserting ``case
management,'' after ``assessments,'';
(C) in clause (vi)--
(i) in subclause (III), by striking ``and''
at the end;
(ii) by redesignating subclause (IV) as
subclause (VI); and
(iii) by inserting after subclause (III)
the following:
``(IV) employment and training
activities under subsections (d) and
(o) of section 6 of the Food and
Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2015);
``(V) programs under the Older
Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3001
et seq.) that support employment and
economic security; and'';
(D) in clause (vii)--
(i) in subclause (II)--
(I) by inserting ``and providers of
supportive services,'' after ``small
employers,''; and
(II) by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(ii) in subclause (III), by inserting
``and'' at the end; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(IV) to strengthen, through
professional development activities,
the knowledge and capacity of one-stop
staff to use the latest digital
technologies, tools, and strategies to
deliver high quality services and
outcomes for jobseekers, workers, and
employers;'';
(E) by striking clause (ix);
(F) by redesignating clauses (x) through (xii) as
clauses (ix) through (xi), respectively;
(G) in clause (x), as so redesignated, by striking
``and'' at the end;
(H) in clause (xi), as so redesignated, by striking
the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and
(I) by adding at the end the following:
``(xii) training programs for individuals
who are dislocated workers as a result of
advances in automation technology;
``(xiii) the use of competency-based
assessments for individuals upon initial
assessment of skills (pursuant to subsection
(c)(2)(A)(iii)) or completion of training
services or other learning experiences;
``(xiv) the development of partnerships
between educational institutions (including
area career and technical education schools,
local educational agencies, and institutions of
higher education) and employers to create or
improve workforce development programs to
address the identified education and skill
needs of the workforce and the employment needs
of employers in a region, as determined based
on the most recent analysis conducted by the
local board under section 107(d)(2); and
``(xv) assistance to one or more public
libraries located in the local area that has
demonstrated success in leveraging additional
resources (such as staff, facilities,
computers, and learning materials) to provide
free and open access to individualized career
services, in order to promote and expand access
to such services.''.
(2) Supportive services.--Section 134(d)(2)(B) of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C.
3174(d)(2)(B)) is amended, by inserting ``, including through
programs of one-stop partners, who are'' after ``programs''.
(3) Needs-related payments.--Section 134(d)(3) of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3174(d)(3))
is amended--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``or for
financial assistance through a program carried out by a
one-stop partner'' after ``compensation''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``or
financial assistance through a program carried out by a
one-stop partner'' after ``compensation''
(4) Incumbent worker training programs.--
(A) In general.--Section 134(d)(4)(A) of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C.
3174(d)(4)(A)) is amended--
(i) in clause (i), by striking ``20'' and
inserting ``30'';
(ii) by redesignating clauses (ii) and
(iii) as clauses (iii) and (iv), respectively;
and
(iii) by inserting after clause (i) the
following:
``(ii) Increase in reservation of funds.--
Notwithstanding clause (i)--
``(I) with respect to a local area
that had a rate of unemployment of not
more than 3 percent for not less than 6
months during the preceding program
year, clause (i) shall be applied by
substituting `40 percent' for `30
percent'; or
``(II) with respect to a local area
that meets the requirement in subclause
(I) and is located in a State that had
a labor force participation rate of not
less than 69 percent for not less than
6 months during the preceding program
year, clause (i) shall be applied by
substituting `45 percent' for `30
percent'.''.
(B) Training activities.--Section 134(d)(4)(B) of
the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C.
3174(d)(4)(B)) is amended--
(i) by striking ``The training'', and
inserting the following:
``(i) In general.--The training''; and
(ii) by striking ``delivering training''
and inserting ``delivering training, such as
industry or sector partnerships''.
(C) Non-federal share.--Section
134(d)(4)(D)(ii)(III) of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3174(d)(4)(D)(ii)(III)) is
amended by striking ``50'' and inserting ``55''.
(D) Incumbent worker upskilling accounts.--Section
134(d)(4) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity
Act (29 U.S.C. 3174(d)(4)) is further amended by adding
at the end the following:
``(E) Incumbent worker upskilling accounts.--
``(i) In general.--To establish incumbent
worker upskilling accounts through which an
eligible provider of training services under
section 122 may be paid for the program of
training services provided to an incumbent
worker, a local board--
``(I)(aa) may use, from the funds
reserved by the local area under
subparagraph (A)(i), an amount that
does not exceed 5 percent of the funds
allocated to such local area under
section 133(b); or
``(bb) if the local area reserved funds
under subparagraph (A)(ii), may use, from the
funds reserved by the local area under
subparagraph (A)(ii), an amount that does not
exceed 10 percent of the funds allocated to
such local area under section 133(b); and
``(II) may use funds reserved under
section 134(a)(2)(A) for statewide
rapid response activities and provided
by the State to local area to establish
such accounts.
``(ii) Eligibility.--
``(I) In general.--Subject to
subclause (II), a local board that
seeks to establish incumbent worker
upskilling accounts under clause (i)
shall establish criteria for
determining the eligibility of an
incumbent worker to receive such an
account, which shall take into account
factors of--
``(aa) the wages of the
incumbent worker as of the date
of determining such worker's
eligibility under this clause;
``(bb) the career
advancement opportunities for
the incumbent worker in the
occupation of such worker as of
such date; and
``(cc) the ability of the
incumbent worker to, upon
completion of the program of
training services selected by
such worker, secure employment
in an in-demand industry or
occupation in the local area
that will lead to economic
self-sufficiency and wages
higher than the current wages
of the incumbent worker.
``(II) Limitation.--
``(aa) In general.--An
incumbent worker described in
item (bb) shall be ineligible
to receive an incumbent worker
upskilling account under this
subparagraph.
``(bb) Ineligibility.--Item
(aa) shall apply to an
incumbent worker--
``(AA) whose total
annual wages for the
most recent year are
greater than the median
household income of the
State; or
``(BB) who has
earned a baccalaureate
or professional degree.
``(iii) Cost sharing for certain incumbent
workers.--With respect to an incumbent worker
who is determined to be eligible to receive an
incumbent worker upskilling account and who is
not a low-income individual--
``(I) such incumbent worker shall
pay not less than 25 percent of the
cost of the program of training
services selected by such worker; and
``(II) funds provided through the
incumbent worker upskilling account
established for such worker shall cover
the remaining 75 percent of the cost of
the program.''.
(E) Transitional jobs.--Section 134(d)(5) of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C.
3174(d)(5)) is amended by striking ``10'' and inserting
``15''.
(e) Rule of Construction.--Section 134 of the Workforce Innovation
and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3174) is further amended by adding at
the end the following:
``(e) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to abrogate a collective bargaining agreement that covers
employees of an entity providing a program of training services,
including an incumbent worker training program.''.
CHAPTER 4--GENERAL WORKFORCE INVESTMENT PROVISIONS
SEC. 145. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 136 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3181) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 136. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``(a) Youth Workforce Investment Activities.--There are authorized
to be appropriated to carry out the activities described in section
127(a) $948,130,000 for each of the fiscal years 2027 through 2032.
``(b) Adult Employment and Training Activities.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out the activities described in
section 132(a)(1) $875,649,000 for each of the fiscal years 2027
through 2032.
``(c) Dislocated Worker Employment and Training Activities.--There
are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the activities described
in section 132(a)(2) $1,331,412,000 for each of the fiscal years 2027
through 2032.''.
Subtitle D--Job Corps
SEC. 151. PURPOSES.
Section 141 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3191) is amended--
(1) by striking ``centers'' each place it appears and
inserting ``campuses''; and
(2) in paragraph (1)(A)--
(A) by striking ``secondary school diplomas'' and
inserting ``regular high school diplomas or their
recognized equivalents'';
(B) in clause (i), by striking ``or'' at the end;
(C) in clause (ii), by striking ``, including an
apprenticeship program; and'' and inserting ``; or'';
and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(iii) enrollment in an apprenticeship
program; and''.
SEC. 152. DEFINITIONS.
Section 142 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3192) is amended--
(1) in paragraphs (1), (7), (8), and (10), by striking
``center'' each place it appears and inserting ``campus'';
(2) in paragraph (1)(B), by inserting ``the community in
which the Job Corps campus is located or the'' after
``serves'';
(3) in paragraph (5)--
(A) by striking ``secondary school diploma or'' and
inserting ``regular high school diploma or its'';
(B) by striking ``that prepares'' and inserting
``that--
``(A) prepares'';
(C) in subparagraph (A), as so redesignated, by
striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and'';
and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) may lead to the attainment of a recognized
postsecondary credential.''; and
(4) in paragraph (7), by striking ``center'' in the heading
and inserting ``campus''.
SEC. 153. INDIVIDUALS ELIGIBLE FOR THE JOB CORPS.
Section 144 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3194) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``21'' and inserting
``24'';
(ii) by inserting `` or, if the date of
enrollment is not greater than 60 days after
the date of application, the date of
application,'' after ``enrollment,'';
(iii) by amending subparagraph (A) to read
as follows:
``(A) an individual who is age 16 or 17 shall be
eligible only upon an individual determination by the
director of a Job Corps campus that such individual
meets the criteria described in subparagraph (A) or (B)
of section 145(b)(1); and''; and
(iv) in subparagraph (B), by striking
``either'';
(B) in paragraph (2), by inserting after
``individual'' the following: ``or a resident of a
qualified opportunity zone as defined in section 1400Z-
1(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986''; and
(C) in paragraph (3)--
(i) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as
follows:
``(A) Has foundational skill needs.''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``(42
U.S.C. 14043e-2(6)))'' and inserting ``(34
U.S.C. 12473(6)))''.
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in the heading, by inserting ``and Certain
Other Armed Forces Members'' after ``Veterans''; and
(B) by inserting ``or a member of the Armed Forces
eligible for preseparation counseling of the Transition
Assistance Program under section 1142 of title 10,
United States Code,'' after ``a veteran''; and
(3) by inserting at the end the following:
``(c) Special Rule for Homeless Youth and Foster Youth.--In
determining whether an individual is eligible to enroll for services
under this subtitle on the basis of being a homeless youth, or a youth
in foster care, as described in subsection (a)(3)(C), staff shall--
``(1) if determining whether the individual is a homeless
youth, use a process that is in compliance with the
requirements of subsection (a) of section 479D of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087uu-2) for financial aid
administrators; and
``(2) if determining whether the individual is a youth in
foster care, use a process that is in compliance with the
requirements of subsection (b) of such section 479D of the
Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087uu-2) for financial
aid administrators.''.
SEC. 154. RECRUITMENT, SCREENING, SELECTION, AND ASSIGNMENT OF
ENROLLEES.
Section 145 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3195) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(2)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``45'' and
inserting ``55'';
(B) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``and'';
(C) in subparagraph (E), by striking the period and
inserting ``; and''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(F) assist applicable one-stop centers and other
entities identified in paragraph (3) in developing
joint applications for Job Corps, YouthBuild, and the
youth activities described in section 129.''; and
(2) in subsections (b), (c), and (d)--
(A) by striking ``center'' each place it appears
and inserting ``campus''; and
(B) by striking ``centers'' each place it appears
and inserting ``campuses''.
SEC. 155. JOB CORPS CAMPUSES.
Section 147 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3197) is amended--
(1) in the heading, by striking ``centers'' and inserting
``campuses'';
(2) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``center'' each place it
appears and inserting ``campus''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (A), by inserting
after ``area career and technical education
school,'' the following: ``an institution of
higher education,'';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)--
(I) by striking ``center'' each
place it appears and inserting
``campus''; and
(II) by inserting after ``United
States Code,'' the following: ``and
section 159(f)(2)(B)(i)(III),''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (B)--
(I) in clause (i)--
(aa) by striking ``operate
a Job Corps center'' and
inserting ``operate a Job Corps
campus'';
(bb) by striking subclause
(IV);
(cc) by redesignating
subclauses (I), (II), (III),
and (V), as subclauses (III),
(IV), (V), and (VI),
respectively;
(dd) by inserting before
subclause (III), as so
redesignated, the following:
``(I)(aa) in the case of an entity
that has previously operated a Job
Corps campus, a numeric metric of the
past achievement on the primary
indicators of performance for eligible
youth described in section
116(b)(2)(A)(ii); or
``(bb) in the case of an entity that has
not previously operated a Job Corps campus, a
comparable alternative numeric metric on the
past effectiveness of the entity in
successfully assisting at-risk youth to connect
to the labor force, based on such primary
indicators of performance for eligible youth;
``(II) in the case of an entity
that has previously operated a Job
Corps campus, any information regarding
the entity included in any report
developed by the Office of Inspector
General of the Department of Labor;'';
(ee) in subclause (III), as
so redesignated, by striking
``center'' and inserting
``campus'';
(ff) by amending subclause
(IV), as so redesignated, to
read as follows:
``(IV) the ability of the entity to
offer career and technical education
and training that has been proposed by
the workforce council under section
154(c), including--
``(aa) the degree to which
such education and training
reflects employment
opportunities in the local
areas in which enrollees at the
campus intend to seek
employment; and
``(bb) the degree to which
such education and training
leads to a recognized
postsecondary credential, or
postsecondary credit, that
permits articulation into a
higher level or other degree or
credential program;'';
(gg) in subclause (V), as
so redesignated, by striking
``center is located;'' and
inserting ``campus is located,
including agreements to provide
off-campus work-based learning
opportunities aligned with the
career and technical education
provided to enrollees; and'';
and
(hh) by amending subclause
(VI), as so redesignated, to
read as follows:
``(VI) the ability of the entity to
implement an effective behavior
management plan, as described in
section 152(a), and maintain a safe and
secure learning environment for
enrollees.''; and
(II) in clause (ii), by striking
``center'' and inserting ``campus'';
and
(C) in paragraph (3)--
(i) by striking ``center'' each place it
appears and inserting ``campus'';
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``or
postsecondary credit, which credit shall permit
articulation into a credential program'' after
``program'';
(iii) in subparagraph (D), by inserting
after ``is located'' the following: ``,
including agreements to provide off-campus
work-based learning opportunities aligned with
the career and technical education provided to
enrollees'';
(iv) by redesignating subparagraphs (E),
(F), (G), (H), (I), (J), and (K) as
subparagraphs (F), (G), (H), (I), (J), (K), and
(L), respectively; and
(v) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the
following:
``(E) A description of the policies that will be
implemented at the campus regarding security and access
to campus facilities, including procedures to report on
and respond to violations of the disciplinary policy
described in section 152(b) and other emergencies
occurring on campus.'';
(3) in subsection (b)--
(A) in the heading, by striking ``Centers'' and
inserting ``Campuses'';
(B) by striking ``center'' each place it appears
and inserting ``campus'';
(C) by striking ``centers'' each place it appears
and inserting ``campuses'';
(D) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``20 percent''
and inserting ``25 percent''; and
(E) in paragraph (3)(A)(iv), by striking
``secondary school diplomas'' and inserting ``regular
high school diplomas'';
(4) in subsection (c)--
(A) by striking ``centers'' and inserting
``campuses''; and
(B) by striking ``20 percent'' and inserting ``30
percent'';
(5) in subsection (d)--
(A) in the first sentence, by striking ``centers''
and inserting ``campuses''; and
(B) in the second sentence, by striking ``centers''
and inserting ``Centers'';
(6) in subsection (e)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``centers'' and
inserting ``campuses''; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``450b)'' and
inserting ``5304)'';
(7) in subsection (f), by striking ``2-year period'' and
inserting ``3-year period''; and
(8) in subsection (g)--
(A) by striking ``center'' each place it appears
and inserting ``campus'';
(B) in paragraph (1), by striking subparagraphs (A)
and (B) and inserting the following:
``(A) failed to achieve an average of 80 percent or
higher of the expected level of performance under
section 159(c)(1) across all of the primary indicators
of performance for eligible youth described in section
116(b)(2)(A)(ii); or
``(B) failed to--
``(i) take reasonable measures to achieve
an average of 80 percent of the planned average
onboard strength that was agreed to in the
agreement described in subsection (a)(1)(A); or
``(ii) achieve an average of 60 percent of
the planned average onboard strength that was
agreed to in the agreement described in
subsection (a)(1)(A).'';
(C) in paragraph (2)(B), by inserting ``or onboard
strength or enrollment'' after ``performance'';
(D) in paragraph (3), by striking ``shall provide''
and inserting ``shall provide, at least 30 days prior
to renewing the agreement''; and
(E) in paragraph (4)--
(i) in subparagraph (C), by striking
``and'' after the semicolon;
(ii) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as
subparagraph (E); and
(iii) by inserting after subparagraph (C)
the following:
``(D) has maintained a safe and secure campus
environment; and''.
SEC. 156. PROGRAM ACTIVITIES.
Section 148 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3198) is amended--
(1) by striking ``center'' each place it appears and
inserting ``campus'';
(2) by striking ``centers'' each place it appears and
inserting ``campuses'';
(3) in subsection (a)--
(A) in the subsection heading, by striking
``CENTERS'' and inserting ``CAMPUSES''; and
(B) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by inserting before the period at the
end the following: ``, and productive
activities, such as tutoring or other skills
development opportunities, for enrollees to
participate in outside of regular class time
and work hours''; and
(ii) by striking ``clauses (i) through (xi)
of section 134(c)(2)(A)'' and inserting
``subclauses (I) through (V) of section
134(c)(2)(A)(ii) or in clauses (i) through
(viii) of section 134(c)(2)(B)'';
(4) in subsection (b), by striking ``career and technical
educational institutions'' and inserting ``area career and
technical education schools'';
(5) in subsection (c)(1)--
(A) by striking ``the eligible providers'' and
inserting ``any eligible provider''; and
(B) by inserting after ``under section 122'' the
following: ``that is aligned with the career and
technical education an enrollee has completed''; and
(6) in subsection (d), by inserting ``, in coordination
with the operator of the Job Corps program in which a graduate
was enrolled,'' after ``Secretary''.
SEC. 157. COUNSELING AND JOB PLACEMENT.
Section 149(b) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3199(b)) is amended--
(1) by inserting ``, in coordination with the operator of a
Job Corps campus,'' after ``The Secretary'';
(2) by inserting ``assigned to such campus'' after ``for
enrollees''; and
(3) by inserting ``, in coordination with the operator,''
after ``, the Secretary''.
SEC. 158. SUPPORT.
Section 150 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3200) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``centers'' and
inserting ``campuses''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(d) Period of Transition.--Notwithstanding the requirements of
section 146(b), a Job Corps graduate may remain an enrollee and a
resident of a Job Corps campus for not more than one month after
graduation as such graduate transitions into independent living and
employment if such graduate receives written approval from the director
of the Job Corps campus to remain such a resident.''.
SEC. 159. OPERATIONS.
Section 151 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3201) is amended--
(1) by striking ``center'' each place it appears and
inserting ``campus''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(d) Local Authority.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to the limitations of the budget
approved by the Secretary for a Job Corps campus, the operator
of a Job Corps campus shall have the authority, without prior
approval from the Secretary, to--
``(A) hire staff and provide staff professional
development;
``(B) set terms and enter into agreements with
Federal, State, or local educational partners, such as
secondary schools, institutions of higher education,
child development centers, units of Junior Reserve
Officers' Training Corps programs established under
section 2031 of title 10, United States Code, or
employers; and
``(C) engage with and educate stakeholders
(including eligible applicants for the Job Corps) about
Job Corps operations, selection procedures, and
activities.
``(2) Nonapplicability.--Notwithstanding section 6702 of
title 41, United States Code, or any other provision of law,
chapter 67 of such title shall not apply to any agreement
described in paragraph (1)(B) for the purpose of providing
child care to enrollees between an entity described in such
paragraph and an operator of a Job Corps campus, if the
operator is not using amounts made available under this
subtitle to pay for such child care services.
``(e) Prior Notice.--Prior to making a change to the agreement
described in section 147(a) or an operating plan described in this
section, the Secretary shall solicit from the operators of the Job
Corps campuses information on any operational costs the operators
expect to result from such change.''.
SEC. 160. STANDARDS OF CONDUCT.
Section 152 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3202) is amended--
(1) by striking ``centers'' each place it appears and
inserting ``campuses'';
(2) in subsection (a), by inserting ``As part of the
operating plan required under section 151(a), the director of
each Job Corps campus shall develop and implement a behavior
management plan consistent with the standards of conduct and
subject to the approval of the Secretary.'' at the end;
(3) in subsection (b)(2)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``or
disruptive''; and
(B) in subparagraph (C)(ii), by inserting ``,
subject to the appeal process described in subsection
(c)'' after ``subparagraph (A)''; and
(4) by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:
``(c) Appeal Process.--
``(1) Enrollee appeals.--A disciplinary measure taken by a
director under this section shall be subject to expeditious
appeal in accordance with procedures established by the
Secretary.
``(2) Director appeals.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the
date of enactment of the A Stronger Workforce for
America Act of 2026, the Secretary shall establish an
appeals process under which the director of a Job Corps
campus may submit a request that an enrollee who has
engaged in an activity which is a violation of the
guidelines established pursuant to subsection (b)(2)(A)
remain enrolled in the program, but be subject to other
disciplinary actions in lieu of automatic separation
from the program.
``(B) Contents.--A request under subparagraph (A)
shall include--
``(i) a signed certification from the
director attesting that, to the belief of the
director, the continued enrollment of such
enrollee would not impact the safety or
learning environment of the campus; and
``(ii) the behavioral records of such
enrollee.
``(C) Default approval.--The Secretary shall review
such appeal within 30 days of receiving such appeal and
either approve or deny the appeal. An appeal shall be
considered approved if the Secretary has not denied
such appeal after 30 days.''.
SEC. 161. COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION.
Section 153 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3203) is amended--
(1) by striking ``center'' each place it appears and
inserting ``campus'';
(2) in subsection (a), by striking ``centers'' and
inserting ``campuses'';
(3) in subsection (b)(1)(C)--
(A) in clause (iii), by striking ``and'' at the
end; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(v) industry or sector partnerships, where
applicable; and''; and
(4) in subsection (c), in the heading, by striking
``Centers'' and inserting ``Campuses''.
SEC. 162. WORKFORCE COUNCILS.
Section 154 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3204) is amended--
(1) by striking ``center'' each place it appears and
inserting ``campus'';
(2) in subsection (b)(1)--
(A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(B) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as
subparagraph (D); and
(C) by inserting the following after subparagraph
(B):
``(C) representatives of community-based
organizations; and'';
(3) in subsection (c)(2)(C), by inserting ``, recognized
postsecondary credentials,'' after ``skills''; and
(4) in subsection (d), in the heading, by striking ``New
Centers'' and inserting ``New Campuses''.
SEC. 163. ADVISORY COMMITTEES.
Section 155 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3205) is amended--
(1) by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting ``(a) In
General.--The Secretary'';
(2) by striking ``centers'' and inserting ``campuses'';
(3) by striking ``center'' and inserting ``campus''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(b) Advisory Committee to Improve Job Corps Safety and
Performance.--Not later than one year after the date of enactment of
the A Stronger Workforce for America Act of 2026, the Secretary shall
establish an advisory committee to provide recommendations on effective
or evidence-based strategies to improve--
``(1) safety, security, and learning conditions on Job
Corps campuses;
``(2) the standards for campus safety established under
section 159(c)(4);
``(3) the levels of performance established under section
159(c)(1), including recommendations to improve the
effectiveness and rigor of such levels of performance and
recommendations to ensure such levels promote continuous
performance improvement; and
``(4) the effectiveness of performance improvement plans
and other measures to continuously improve the performance of
the Job Corps program.''.
SEC. 164. EXPERIMENTAL PROJECTS AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.
Section 156 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3206) is amended--
(1) by striking ``center'' and inserting ``campus'';
(2) by striking ``centers'' and inserting ``campuses''; and
(3) in subsection (b)--
(A) by striking ``\1/4\ of 1 percent to provide''
and inserting ``1.25 percent to provide''; and
(B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and'' at the
end of subparagraph (C) and by adding at the end the
following:
``(D) in the development and implementation of a
behavior management plan under section 152(a); and
``(E) in complying with the campus and student
safety standards described in section 159(c)(4); and''.
SEC. 165. SPECIAL PROVISIONS.
Section 158 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3208) is amended--
(1) by striking ``center'' each place it appears and
inserting ``campus''; and
(2) in subsection (f)--
(A) by striking ``may accept on behalf of the Job
Corps or individual Job Corps campuses charitable
donations of cash'' and inserting ``(or the Secretary
of Agriculture, as appropriate), on behalf of the Job
Corps, or a Job Corps campus operator, on behalf of
such campus, may accept grants, charitable donations of
cash,''; and
(B) by inserting at the end the following:
``Notwithstanding sections 501(b) and 522 of title 40,
United States Code, any property acquired by a Job
Corps campus shall be directly transferred, on a
nonreimbursable basis, to the Secretary.''.
SEC. 166. MANAGEMENT INFORMATION.
(a) Levels of Performance.--Section 159 of the Workforce Innovation
and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3209) is amended--
(1) by striking ``center'' each place it appears and
inserting ``campus'';
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``The Secretary'' and
inserting the following:
``(A) In general.--The Secretary'';
(ii) by inserting ``that are ambitious yet
achievable and'' after ``program''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following
new subparagraphs:
``(B) Levels of performance.--In establishing the
expected levels of performance under subparagraph (A)
for a Job Corps campus, the Secretary may take into
account factors including--
``(i) how the levels involved compare with
the recent performance of such campus and the
performance of other campuses within the same
State or geographic region;
``(ii) the levels of performance set for
the primary indicators of performance described
in section 116(b)(2)(A)(ii) for the youth
programs authorized under chapter 2 of subtitle
B for the State in which the campus is located;
``(iii) the extent to which the levels
involved promote continuous improvement in
performance on the primary indicators of
performance by such campus and ensure optimal
return on the use of Federal funds; and
``(iv) any other considerations identified
by the Secretary after reviewing the
recommendations of the advisory group described
in section 155(b).
``(C) Performance per contract.--The Secretary
shall ensure the expected levels of performance are
established in the relevant contract or agreement.
``(D) Adjustments based on economic conditions and
individuals served during the program year.--
``(i) In general.--In the event of a
significant economic downturn, the Secretary
shall adjust the applicable levels of
performance for each of the campuses for a
program year to reflect the actual economic
conditions during such program year.
``(ii) Report to congress.--Prior to
implementing the adjustments described in
clause (i), the Secretary shall submit to the
Committee on Education and Workforce of the
House of Representatives and the Committee on
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the
Senate a report explaining the reason for such
adjustments.
``(E) Review of levels of performance.--The Office
of Inspector General of the Department of Labor shall,
every 5 years, submit to the Committee on Education and
Workforce of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of
the Senate, and publish in the Federal Register and on
a publicly available website of the Department, a
report containing--
``(i) a quadrennial review of the expected
levels of performance; and
``(ii) an evaluation of whether--
``(I) the Secretary is establishing
such expected levels of performance in
accordance with this Act; and
``(II) such expected levels have
led to continued improvement of the Job
Corps program.'';
(B) in paragraph (2)(B), by striking ``(L), and
(M)'' and inserting ``(M), and (N)'';
(C) in paragraph (3)(B), by striking ``(J), and
(K)'' and inserting ``(K), and (L)'';
(D) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph
(5);
(E) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
``(4) Campus safety.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall establish
campus and student safety standards. The Secretary
shall provide technical assistance and develop a safety
improvement plan for a Job Corps campus that fails to
achieve such standards.
``(B) Considerations.--In establishing the campus
and student safety standards under subparagraph (A),
the Secretary shall take into account--
``(i) incidents related to safety that are
reported to the Secretary;
``(ii) survey data from enrollees, faculty,
staff, and community members; and
``(iii) any other considerations identified
by the Secretary after reviewing the
recommendations of the advisory group described
in section 155(b).'';
(F) in paragraph (5), as so redesignated--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking
``and'' at the end;
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the
period at the end and inserting a semicolon;
and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) the number of contracts that were awarded a
renewal compared to those eligible for a renewal;
``(D) the number of campuses where the contract was
awarded to a new operator; and
``(E) the number of campuses that were required to
receive performance improvement, as described under
subsection (f)(2).''; and
(G) by adding at the end the following:
``(6) Wage records.--The Secretary shall make arrangements
with a State or other appropriate entity to facilitate the use
of State wage records to evaluate the performance of Job Corps
campuses on the employment and earnings indicators described in
clause (i)(III) of subparagraph (A) of section 116(b)(2) and
subclauses (I) and (II) of clause (ii) of such subparagraph for
the purposes of the report required under paragraph (5).'';
(3) in subsection (d)(1)--
(A) by inserting ``and make available on the
website of the Department pertaining to the Job Corps
program in a manner that is consumer-tested to ensure
it is easily understood, searchable, and navigable,''
after ``subsection (c)(4),'';
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``gender'' and
inserting ``sex'';
(C) in subparagraph (F), by striking ``regular
secondary school diploma'' and inserting ``regular high
school diploma'';
(D) in subparagraph (G), by striking ``regular
secondary school diploma'' and inserting ``regular high
school diploma'';
(E) by redesignating subparagraphs (J) through (O)
as subparagraphs (K) through (P), respectively; and
(F) by inserting the following after subparagraph
(I):
``(J) the number of appeals under section 152(c)
and a description of each appeal that was approved;'';
(4) in subsection (e), by striking ``116(i)(2)'' and
inserting ``116(j)(2)''; and
(5) in subsection (g)(2), by striking ``comply'' and
inserting ``attest to compliance''.
(b) Performance Assessments and Improvements.--Section 159(f) of
the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3209) is
amended to read as follows:
``(f) Performance Assessments and Improvements.--
``(1) Assessments.--The Secretary shall conduct an annual
assessment of the performance of each Job Corps campus on the
primary indicators of performance described in section
116(b)(2)(A)(ii), where each indicator shall be given equal
weight in determining the overall performance of the campus.
Based on the assessment, the Secretary shall take measures to
continuously improve the performance of the Job Corps program.
``(2) Performance improvement.--
``(A) Comprehensive improvement.--
``(i) In general.--With respect to a Job
Corps campus that, for a program year, performs
as described in clause (ii) and is not already
subject to a performance improvement plan under
this paragraph for such program year or the
succeeding program year, the Secretary shall
develop and implement, for a comprehensive
improvement period beginning with the
succeeding program year, a performance
improvement plan that meets the requirements of
clause (iii).
``(ii) Performance failures.--A Job Corps
campus performs as described in this clause if,
for a program year, such campus--
``(I) fails to meet an average of
90 percent on the expected levels of
performance across all the primary
indicators of performance specified in
subsection (c)(1); and
``(II) is ranked among the lowest
20 percent of all Job Corps campuses.
``(iii) Performance improvement plan
requirements.--A performance improvement plan,
with respect to a Job Corps campus, shall
require the Secretary to take substantial
action during a 3 consecutive program year
period (in this paragraph, referred to as a
`comprehensive improvement period') to improve
the performance of such campus, which shall
include--
``(I) providing technical
assistance to the campus;
``(II) changing the management
staff of the campus;
``(III) changing the career and
technical education and training
offered at the campus;
``(IV) replacing the operator of
the campus; or
``(V) reducing the capacity of the
campus.
``(B) Chronic failure.--
``(i) In general.--With respect to a Job
Corps campus that, for the two consecutive
program years immediately following a
comprehensive improvement period and regardless
of whether such campus is subject to a
subsequent comprehensive improvement period,
fails to meet an average of 85 percent on the
expected levels of performance across all the
primary indicators and is ranked among the
lowest 15 percent of all Job Corps campuses,
the Secretary shall take further substantial
action to improve the performance of such
campus, which shall include--
``(I) relocating the campus;
``(II) closing the campus; or
``(III) notifying the State in
which the campus is located of such
failure and, if such State submits a
written plan to operate a residential
campus in the current location, the
Secretary--
``(aa) shall enter into a
memorandum of understanding
with the State for the purpose
of so operating a residential
campus and award funding
directly to the State for such
purpose;
``(bb) may encourage
innovation in such memorandum
of understanding by waiving any
statutory or regulatory
requirement of this subtitle
except for those related to
participant eligibility under
section 144, program activities
under section 148, counseling
and job placement under section
149, standards of conduct under
section 152, and performance
reporting and accountability
under this section; and
``(cc) if a State chooses
to award funds received under
this clause to an entity that
is not a State agency or other
State entity, require that such
State develop award criteria
that will give priority
consideration for the primary
contract or grant for operation
of the campus to any applicant
that is a non-profit
organization with expertise in
serving out-of-school youth and
that otherwise meets such award
criteria.
``(ii) Indian tribes.--
``(I) In general.--In the case of a
Job Corps campus described in clause
(i) that is located on an Indian
reservation, subclause (III) of such
clause shall be applied by--
``(aa) by substituting
`Indian Tribe' for `State' in
each place it appears; and
``(bb) in item (cc), by
substituting `Tribal
organization' for `State agency
or other State entity'.
``(II) Definition.--In this
paragraph, the terms `Indian Tribe' and
`Tribal organization' have the meanings
given such terms in subsections (e) and
(l), respectively, of section 4 of the
Indian Self-Determination and Education
Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
``(3) Additional performance improvement.--In addition to
the performance improvement plans required under paragraph (2),
the Secretary may develop and implement additional performance
improvement plans for a Job Corps campus that fails to meet
criteria established by the Secretary other than the expected
levels of performance described in subsection (c)(1).
``(4) Civilian conservation centers.--With respect to a
Civilian Conservation Center that, for 3 consecutive program
years, fails to meet an average of 90 percent of the expected
levels of performance across all the primary indicators of
performance specified in subsection (c)(1) and is ranked among
the lowest 15 percent of campuses, the Secretary of Labor or,
if appropriate, the Secretary of Agriculture shall select, on a
competitive basis, an entity to operate part or all of the
Civilian Conservation Center in accordance with the
requirements of section 147.''.
(c) Conforming Amendments.--Section 159 of the Workforce Innovation
and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3209) is further amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(3), by striking ``centers'' and
inserting ``campuses'';
(2) in subsection (g)(1), in the heading, by striking
``Center'' and inserting ``Campus''; and
(3) in subsection (j), in the heading, by striking
``Center'' and inserting ``Campus''.
SEC. 167. JOB CORPS OVERSIGHT AND REPORTING.
Section 161 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3211) is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)--
(A) in the heading, by striking ``Center'' and
inserting ``Campus''; and
(B) by striking ``center'' and inserting
``campus'';
(2) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e); and
(3) by inserting after subsection (c) the following new
subsection:
``(d) Report on Implementation of Recommendations.--The Secretary
shall, on an annual basis, prepare and submit to the applicable
committees a report regarding the implementation of all outstanding
recommendations regarding the Job Corps program from the Office of
Inspector General of the Department of Labor or the Government
Accountability Office.''.
SEC. 168. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 162 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3212) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 162. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this
subtitle $1,760,155,000 for each of the fiscal years 2027 through
2032.''.
SEC. 169. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.
Section 146(a) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3196(a)) is amended by striking ``App. 451'' and inserting
``3801''.
Subtitle E--National Programs
SEC. 171. NATIVE AMERICAN PROGRAMS.
Section 166 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3221) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(2), by striking ``(25 U.S.C. 450 et
seq.)'' and inserting ``(25 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.)'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``(25 U.S.C.
450b)'' and inserting ``(25 U.S.C. 5304)''; and
(B) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``(20 U.S.C.
7517)'' before the period at the end;
(3) in subsection (d)(1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'';
(B) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) by striking ``leading'' and inserting
``or self-employment that leads''; and
(ii) by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) are evidence-based, to the extent
practicable.'';
(4) in subsection (d)(2), by striking subparagraph (B) and
inserting the following:
``(B) Administrative costs.--Not more than 15
percent of the funds made available to an entity under
subsection (c) may be used for the administrative costs
of the activities and services described in
subparagraph (A).
``(C) Special rules.--
``(i) Eligibility.--Notwithstanding any
other provision of this section, individuals
who were eligible to participate in programs
under section 401 of the Job Training
Partnership Act (as such section was in effect
on the day before the date of enactment of the
Workforce Investment Act of 1998) shall be
eligible to participate in an activity assisted
under this section.
``(ii) Transfer of unobligated funds.--An
entity receiving funds under subsection (c) may
transfer such funds that are unobligated for an
award year to the following award year for
activities described in subparagraph (A)(i) in
that following award year.'';
(5) in subsection (e)(3), by inserting ``or to develop
skills necessary for successful self-employment'' before the
semicolon at the end;
(6) in subsection (h)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in the heading, by striking the heading
and inserting ``Performance standards'';
(ii) by striking subparagraph (A) and
inserting the following:
``(A) Consultation on performance standards.--The
Secretary, in consultation with the Native American
Employment and Training Council, shall develop
performance standards on the primary indicators of
performance described in section 116(b)(2)(A) that
shall be applicable to programs under this section.'';
and
(iii) in subparagraph (B), in the matter
preceding clause (i), by striking ``indicators
and'';
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``section
116(b)(2)(A)'' and all that follows through the period
at the end of the paragraph and inserting the
following: ``section 116(b)(2)(A)--
``(A) taking into consideration--
``(i) economic conditions;
``(ii) characteristics and needs of the
individuals and groups served, including the
differences in needs among such groups in
various geographic service areas; and
``(iii) other appropriate factors,
including the economic circumstances of the
communities served; and
``(B) using, to the extent practicable, the
statistical adjustment model under section
116(b)(3)(A)(viii).''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Program plan.--The levels agreed to under paragraph
(2) shall be the adjusted levels of performance and shall be
incorporated in the program plan.
``(4) Wage records.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall make
arrangements with any State or other appropriate entity
to facilitate the use of State wage records to evaluate
the performance of entities funded under this section
on the employment and earnings indicators described in
subclauses (I) through (III) of section 116(b)(2)(A)(i)
for the purposes of the report required under paragraph
(5).
``(B) Other wage records.--For any individual
working in Indian country (as defined in section 1151
of title 18, United States Code) whose wages are not
submitted to a relevant State as an unemployment
insurance wage record, the Indian tribe with
jurisdiction over that Indian country may submit other
forms of documentation of the wages of such individual
to the State for purposes of the report required under
paragraph (5).
``(5) Performance results.--For each program year, the
Secretary shall make available on a publicly accessible website
of the Department of Labor a report on the performance, during
such program year, of entities funded under this section on--
``(A) the primary indicators of performance
described in section 116(b)(2)(A); and
``(B) the adjusted levels of performance for such
entities as described in paragraph (2).''; and
(7) in subsection (i)--
(A) in paragraph (4)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)--
(I) by striking ``Using'' and
inserting the following:
``(i) Establishment.--Using''; and
(II) by adding at the end the
following:
``(ii) Recommendations.--The Secretary
shall meet, on not less than an annual basis,
with the Council to consider recommendations
from the Council on the operation and
administration of the programs assisted under
this section.'';
(ii) in subparagraph (B)--
(I) by striking ``The Council'' and
inserting the following:
``(i) In general.--The Council''; and
(II) by inserting at the end the
following:
``(ii) Vacancies.--An individual appointed
to fill a vacancy on the Council occurring
before the expiration of the term for which the
predecessor of such individual was appointed
shall be appointed only for the remainder of
that term. Such an individual may serve on the
Council after the expiration of such term until
a successor is appointed.''; and
(iii) in subparagraph (F), by inserting ``,
virtually or in person'' before the period at
the end; and
(B) in paragraph (6)--
(i) by striking ``more than one State'' and
inserting ``a State'';
(ii) by inserting ``or provided by another
grantee that receives funds awarded under
subtitle B from any State for adult, youth, or
dislocated worker programs'' after ``this
title'';
(iii) by striking ``Governors of the
affected States'' and inserting ``Governor of
any affected State''; and
(iv) by striking ``the States'' and
inserting ``the State or other grantee''.
SEC. 172. MIGRANT AND SEASONAL FARMWORKER PROGRAMS.
Section 167 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3222) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) by striking ``To be'' and inserting the
following:
``(1) In general.--To be''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Prohibition on geographic limitations.--In
determining eligibility under paragraph (1), the Secretary may
not place limitations on the geographic location of the entity
or on the intended area to be served.'';
(2) in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following:
``(5) Wage records.--The Secretary shall make arrangements
with a State or other appropriate entity to facilitate the use
of State wage records to evaluate the performance of entities
funded under this section on the employment and earnings
indicators described in subclauses (I) through (III) of section
116(b)(2)(A)(i) for the purposes of the report required under
paragraph (6).
``(6) Performance results.--For each program year, the
Secretary shall make available on a publicly accessible website
of the Department a report on the performance, during such
program year, of entities funded under this section on--
``(A) the primary indicators of performance
described in section 116(b)(2)(A); and
``(B) the adjusted levels of performance for such
entities as described in paragraph (3).'';
(3) in subsection (d)(1), by inserting ``development of
digital literacy skills,'' after ``literacy instruction,'';
(4) by redesignating subsections (e) through (i) as
subsections (f) through (j), respectively;
(5) by inserting after subsection (d) the following:
``(e) Administrative Costs.--Not more than 10 percent of the funds
provided to an entity under this section may be used for the
administrative costs of the activities and services carried out under
subsection (d).''; and
(6) in subsection (i), as so redesignated--
(A) in the heading, by striking ``Allocation'' and
inserting ``Allocation; Funding Obligation'';
(B) by striking ``From'' and inserting the
following:
``(1) Funding allocation.--From''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Funding obligation.--Funds appropriated and made
available to carry out this section for any fiscal year may be
obligated by the Secretary during the period beginning on April
1 of the calendar year that begins during such fiscal year and
ending on June 30 of the following calendar year to be made
available to an entity described in subsection (b).''.
SEC. 173. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.
(a) General Technical Assistance.--Section 168(a)(1) of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3223(a)(1)) is
amended--
(1) by striking ``appropriate training, technical
assistance, staff development'' and inserting ``appropriate
education, technical assistance, professional development for
staff'';
(2) in subparagraphs (B), (C), and (D), by striking
``training'' each place it appears and inserting ``professional
development'';
(3) by redesignating subparagraphs (G) and (H) as
subparagraphs (J) and (K), respectively; and
(4) by inserting after subparagraph (F) the following:
``(G) assistance to the one-stop delivery system
and the Employment Service established under the
Wagner-Peyser Act for the integration of basic career
service activities pursuant to section 134(c)(2)(A);
``(H) assistance to States with maintaining, and
making accessible to jobseekers and employers, the
lists of eligible providers of training services
required under section 122;
``(I) assistance to States that apply for such
assistance under section 122(j) for the purposes
described in such subsection;''.
(b) Performance Accountability Technical Assistance.--Section
168(b) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C.
3223(b)) is amended--
(1) in the header, by striking ``Dislocated Worker'' and
inserting ``Performance Accountability''; and
(2) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in the first sentence--
(i) by inserting ``, pursuant to paragraphs
(1) and (2) of section 116(f),'' after
``technical assistance''; and
(ii) by striking ``with respect to
employment and training activities for
dislocated workers'' and inserting ``with
respect to the core programs''; and
(B) in the second sentence--
(i) by striking ``assistance to dislocated
workers'' and inserting ``assistance to
individuals served by a core program''; and
(ii) by striking ``provided to dislocated
workers'' and inserting ``provided to such
individuals''.
(c) Communities Impacted by Substance Use Disorders.--Section 168
of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3223) is
further amended by adding at the end the following:
``(d) Communities Impacted by Substance Use Disorders.--The
Secretary shall, as part of the activities described in subsection
(c)(2), evaluate and disseminate to States and local areas information
regarding evidence-based and promising practices for addressing the
economic workforce impacts associated with high rates of substance use
disorders, which information shall--
``(1) be updated annually to reflect the most recent and
available research; and
``(2) include information--
``(A) shared by States and local areas regarding
effective practices for addressing such impacts; and
``(B) on how to apply for any funding that may be
available under section 170(b)(1)(E).''.
SEC. 174. EVALUATIONS AND RESEARCH.
(a) In General.--Section 169 of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3224) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by redesignating subparagraph (G) as
subparagraph (H);
(ii) in subparagraph (F)--
(I) by striking ``; and'' at the
end; and
(II) by inserting ``, including
individuals with barriers to
employment'' after ``demographic
groups''; and
(iii) by inserting the following after
subparagraph (F):
``(G) the extent to which such programs or
activities are using emerging technology to--
``(i) collect, analyze, use, and
disseminate accurate and transparent local and
State level labor market information;
``(ii) integrate administrative data, in
accordance with Federal and State privacy laws,
to more comprehensively understand and improve
education and workforce outcomes; and
``(iii) identify and address deficiencies
in existing Federal, State, and local workforce
data infrastructure and related source systems;
and'';
(B) in paragraph (3)--
(i) by striking ``The Secretary'' and
inserting the following:
``(A) In general.--The Secretary''; and
(ii) by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
``(B) Limitation.--The Secretary may not use the
authority described in subparagraph (A) if the
evaluations required under paragraph (1) have not been
initiated or completed in the time period required.'';
and
(C) in paragraph (4), in the second sentence--
(i) by striking ``The Secretary'' and
inserting ``Beginning after the date of
enactment of the A Stronger Workforce for
America Act of 2026, the Secretary''; and
(ii) by striking ``2019'' and inserting
``2028''; and
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) by amending paragraph (4) to read as follows:
``(4) Studies and reports.--
``(A) Study on employment conditions.--The
Secretary, in coordination with other heads of Federal
agencies, as appropriate, may conduct a study examining
the nature of participants' unsubsidized employment
after exit from programs carried out under this Act--
``(i) including with respect to factors
such as the availability of paid time off in
the employment, health and retirement benefits
provided through the employment, workplace
safety standards at the place of employment,
the predictability and stability of the work
schedule for the employment, the ability to
obtain through the employment credentials that
may permit articulation into a higher level or
other degree or credential program, and
advancement opportunities in the employment;
and
``(ii) that includes a description of the
feasibility of Congress establishing, through
future legislation, an indicator of performance
under section 116 related to such factors.
``(B) Study on improving workforce services for
individuals with disabilities.--The Secretary of Labor,
in coordination with the Secretary of Health and Human
Services, may conduct studies that analyze the access
to services by individuals with disabilities, including
whether an individual who is unable to receive services
under title IV due to a wait list for such services is
able to receive services under titles I through III.
``(C) Study on the effectiveness of pay for
performance.--The Secretary shall, not later than 4
years after the date of enactment of the A Stronger
Workforce for America Act of 2026, conduct a study
that--
``(i) compares the effectiveness of the
pay-for-performance strategies used under
sections 129, 134, and 172 after such date of
enactment to the awarding of grants and
contracts under such sections as in effect on
the day before the date of enactment of such
Act; and
``(ii) examines, with respect to grants
under sections 129, 134, and 172 after such
date of enactment--
``(I) the competition structure of
pay-for-performance grants and
contracts under such sections;
``(II) the quality of applications
received for grants and contracts under
such sections; and
``(III) whether individuals with
barriers to employment were effectively
served under the pay-for-performance
strategies for grants and contracts
under such sections.
``(D) Study on individual training accounts for
dislocated workers.--The Secretary shall, not later
than 4 years after the date of enactment of the A
Stronger Workforce for America Act of 2026, conduct a
study that compares the usage of individual training
accounts for dislocated workers after such date of
enactment to the usage of such accounts prior to such
date of enactment, including a comparison of--
``(i) the types of training services and
occupations targeted by dislocated workers when
using their individual training accounts; and
``(ii) the effectiveness of the skills
development funded through individual training
accounts in helping such individuals attain
credentials and secure unsubsidized employment.
``(E) Study on statewide critical industry skills
funds.--The Secretary shall, not later than 4 years
after the date of enactment of the A Stronger Workforce
for America Act of 2026, conduct a study that will
review the usage of statewide critical industry skills
funds established by States under section 134(a)(4) and
identify, for purposes of measuring the overall
effectiveness of the program--
``(i) the industries targeted by the funds
under section 134(a)(4);
``(ii) the occupations for which workers
are being upskilled;
``(iii) how frequently skills development
is provided to prospective workers and
incumbent workers, and
``(iv) the reported performance outcomes.
``(F) Study on industry or sector partnership and
career pathways development funds.--The Secretary
shall, not later than 4 years after the date of
enactment of the A Stronger Workforce for America Act
of 2026, conduct a study that will review the usage of
industry or sector partnership and career pathways
development funds established by States under section
134(a)(5) and identify, for purposes of measuring the
overall effectiveness of the program--
``(i) the industries targeted by the funds
under section 134(a)(5) and the growth in
employment opportunities in such industries
over the period of the study;
``(ii) the occupations workers are
receiving skills development for and how
frequently such skills development is occurring
through the funds under section 134(a)(5);
``(iii) the States where such funds were
used to establish new industry or sector
partnerships, the States where such funds were
used to expand existing industry or sector
partnerships, and an overview of the types of
partners participating in such partnerships;
and
``(iv) the reported performance outcomes.
``(G) Study on the effectiveness of employer-based
training.--The Secretary shall, not later than 4 years
after the date of enactment of the A Stronger Workforce
for America Act of 2026, conduct a study that measures
the effectiveness of on-the-job training, employer-
directed skills training, apprenticeship, and incumbent
worker training under this title in preparing
jobseekers and workers, including those with barriers
to employment, for unsubsidized employment. Such study
shall include the cost per participant and wage and
employment outcomes, as compared to other methods of
training.
``(H) Study on the effectiveness and use of
emerging technology in the workforce development
system.--The Secretary shall, not later than 4 years
after the date of enactment of the A Stronger Workforce
for America Act of 2026, conduct a study that--
``(i) measures the effectiveness of
emerging technology (including artificial
intelligence and machine learning) and other
advanced computational methods, in improving
State workforce development system service
delivery, labor market data system performance,
data collection and integration to understand
participant and program outcomes, and end-user
tools for facilitating career exploration or
related data insights;
``(ii) measures the extent to which States
have adopted and implemented such technology
and methods in their workforce development
systems, including by describing how the
technology or method is being used, analyzing
the accuracy of such technology or method, and
identifying any exhibited bias by any such
technology or method; and
``(iii) includes an analysis of the
consequences of advances in automation
technology on employment opportunities, skills
development, including digital literacy skills
development, and worker dislocation.
``(I) Study on the alignment between education and
workforce development systems.--The Secretary of Labor,
shall, not later than 4 years after the date of
enactment of the A Stronger Workforce for America Act
of 2026, conduct a study on the alignment of workforce
development programs under this Act with elementary and
secondary education and postsecondary education. The
study shall examine--
``(i) State efforts to integrate data
related to career and technical education
programs, dual enrollment programs, pre-
apprenticeships and apprenticeships, and other
work-based learning programs to inform
decisionmaking and improve educational
opportunities and outcomes;
``(ii) challenges related to and strategies
that promote such alignment to facilitate
student participation in high-quality college
and career pathways; and
``(iii) governance structures and funding
sources to promote such alignment.
``(J) Study on job corps.--The Secretary of Labor
shall, not later than 4 years after the date of
enactment of the A Stronger Workforce for America Act
of 2026, conduct an evaluation that--
``(i) uses the most rigorous available
methods that are appropriate and feasible to
evaluate program effectiveness;
``(ii) measures the effect of the Job Corps
program on participating individuals on
outcomes related to the purposes described in
section 141(1), including educational
attainment, employment, earnings, and other
related outcomes, compared with the non-
participant peers of those individuals, to
determine if the program has a statistically
significant effect (including long-term
effects) on such outcomes; and
``(iii) evaluates the cost-effectiveness of
the program.
``(K) Reports.--The Secretary shall prepare and
disseminate to the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on
Education and Workforce of the House of
Representatives, and on the publicly available website
of the Department, reports containing the results of
the studies conducted under this paragraph.''; and
(B) in paragraph (5), by adding at the end the
following:
``(C) Evaluation of grants.--
``(i) In general.--For each grant or
contract awarded under this paragraph, the
Secretary shall conduct a rigorous evaluation
of the multistate project to determine the
impact of the activities supported by the
project, including the impact on the employment
and earnings of program participants.
``(ii) Report.--The Secretary shall prepare
and disseminate to the Committee on Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate
and the Committee on Education and Workforce of
the House of Representatives, and to the
public, including through electronic means,
reports containing the results of evaluations
conducted under this subparagraph.''.
(b) Workforce Data Quality Initiative.--Section 169 of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3224) is further
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(d) Workforce Data Quality Initiative.--
``(1) Grant program.--Of the amount made available pursuant
to section 132(a)(2)(A) for any program year, the Secretary
shall use not less than 5 percent and not more than 10 percent
of such amount, and may also use funds authorized for purposes
of carrying out this section, to award grants to eligible
entities to create workforce longitudinal data systems, talent
marketplaces, and associated resources for the purposes of
assisting States to--
``(A) improve program quality;
``(B) produce evidence for decision making;
``(C) meet performance reporting requirements;
``(D) protect the privacy of users; and
``(E) improve transparency in relation to labor
market trends and changes in job skills needed to
obtain employment.
``(2) Application.--To be eligible to receive a grant under
this subsection, an eligible entity shall submit an application
to the Secretary, at such time and in such manner as the
Secretary may require, which shall include--
``(A) a description of the activities the eligible
entity is proposing, including a description of the
need for such activities and a detailed budget;
``(B) a description of the expected outcomes and
outputs (such as systems or products) that will result
from the proposed activities and the proposed uses of
such outputs;
``(C) a description of how the proposed activities
will support the reporting of performance data for the
performance accountability requirements under section
116, including outcomes for eligible training
providers;
``(D) a description of the methods and procedures
the eligible entity will use to ensure the security and
privacy of the collection, storage, and use of all data
involved in the systems and resources supported through
the grant, including compliance with State and Federal
privacy and confidentiality law;
``(E) a plan for how the eligible entity will
continue the activities or sustain the use of the
outputs created with the grant funds after the grant
period ends; and
``(F) a description of how the eligible entity will
ensure interoperability and portability between the
talent marketplace maintained by the eligible entity
and other talent marketplaces through the use of open
standards.
``(3) Priority.--In awarding grants under the subsection,
the Secretary shall give priority to eligible entities that--
``(A) are--
``(i) State agencies of States that have
not previously received a grant from the
Secretary for the purposes of this subsection
and demonstrate a substantial need to improve
its data infrastructure, including for the
development of a talent marketplace; or
``(ii) consortia of State agencies that are
comprised of State agencies from multiple
States and include at least one State agency
described in clause (i) and have the capacity
to make significant contributions toward
building interoperable and portable interstate
data infrastructure; and
``(B) will use grant funds to--
``(i) expand the adoption and use of
linked, publicly available, and interoperable
data on knowledge, skills, and abilities
represented through credentials, occupational
job descriptions, and learning assertions,
including through the development of a talent
marketplace or other tools and services
designed to help learners and workers make
informed decisions;
``(ii) participate in and contribute data
to a multistate data collaborative, including
data that provides participating States the
ability to better understand--
``(I) earnings and employment
outcomes of individuals who work out-
of-State; and
``(II) interstate earnings and
employment trends;
``(iii) enhance collaboration with private
sector workforce and labor market data entities
and the end-users of workforce and labor market
data, including individuals, employers,
economic development agencies, and workforce
development providers;
``(iv) leverage the use of non-Federal
contributions to improve workforce data
infrastructure, including staff capacity
building; or
``(v) expand existing statewide integrated
longitudinal data systems, including such
systems receiving assistance under section 208
of the Educational Technical Assistance Act of
2002 (20 U.S.C. 9607).
``(4) Use of funds.--In addition to the activities
described in paragraph (3)(B), an eligible entity awarded a
grant under this subsection may use funds to carry out any of
the following activities:
``(A) Developing or enhancing a State's workforce
longitudinal data system, including by participating
and contributing data to the State's data system, if
applicable, that links with elementary and secondary
school and postsecondary data.
``(B) Accelerating the replication and adoption of
data systems, projects, products, or practices already
in use in one or more States to other States.
``(C) Research and labor market data improvement
activities to improve the timeliness, relevance, and
accessibility of such data through pilot projects that
are developed locally but designed to scale to other
regions or States.
``(D) Establishing or enhancing a talent
marketplace.
``(E) Developing policies, guidelines, and security
measures for data collection, storing, and sharing to
ensure compliance with relevant Federal and State
privacy laws and regulations.
``(F) Increasing local board access to and
integration with the State's workforce longitudinal
data system in a secure manner.
``(G) Creating or participating in a data exchange
for collecting and using standards-based jobs and
employment data including, at a minimum, job titles or
occupation codes.
``(H) Improving State and local staff capacity to
understand, use, and analyze data to improve decision-
making and improve participant outcomes.
``(5) Administration.--
``(A) Duration.--A grant awarded under this
subsection may be for a period of up to 3 years.
``(B) Supplement, not supplant.--Funds made
available under this subsection shall be used to
supplement, and not supplant, other Federal, State, or
local funds used for development of State data systems.
``(C) Report.--Each eligible entity that receives a
grant under this subsection shall submit a report to
the Secretary not later than 180 days after the
conclusion of the grant period on the activities
supported through the grant and improvements in the use
of workforce and labor market information that have
resulted from such activities.
``(6) Definition.--In this subsection--
``(A) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity'
means a State agency, including a State workforce
agency or a consortium of State agencies, including a
multistate data collaborative, that is or includes the
State agency responsible for--
``(i) State employer wage records used by
the State's unemployment insurance programs in
labor market information reporting and analysis
and for fulfilling the reporting requirements
under section 116(d);
``(ii) the production of labor market
information; and
``(iii) the direct administration of one or
more of the core programs.
``(B) Multistate data collaborative.--The term
`multistate data collaborative' means a partnership
among two or more States to coordinate the governance
and standards for workforce related data maintained by
such States in order to facilitate interoperability and
the secure exchange of such data between such
States.''.
SEC. 175. NATIONAL DISLOCATED WORKER GRANTS.
Section 170 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3225) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (C), by striking
``and'' at the end;
(ii) in subparagraph (D)(ii), by striking
the period at the end and inserting ``; and'';
and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(E) to an entity described in subsection
(c)(1)(B) to provide employment and training activities
related to the prevention and treatment of substance
use disorders, including addiction treatment, mental
health treatment, and pain management, in an area that,
as a result of widespread substance use, addiction, and
overdoses, has higher-than-average demand for such
activities that exceeds the availability of State and
local resources to provide such activities.''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Performance results.--The Secretary shall collect the
necessary information from each entity receiving a grant under
this section to determine the performance of such entity on the
primary indicators of performance described in section
116(b)(2)(A)(i) and make such information available on the
publicly accessible website of the Department in a format that
does not reveal personally identifiable information.''; and
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(A)--
(i) by striking ``subsection (b)(1)(A)''
and inserting ``subparagraph (A) or (E) of
subsection (b)(1)''; and
(ii) by striking ``, in such manner, and
containing such information'' and inserting
``and in such manner''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (B)--
(I) in the heading, by striking
``Retraining'' and inserting
``Reskilling''; and
(II) by striking ``retraining'' and
inserting ``reskilling'';
(ii) by redesignating subparagraphs (C) and
(D) as subparagraphs (D) and (E), respectively;
and
(iii) by inserting after subparagraph (B)
the following:
``(C) Substance use related grants.--In order to be
eligible to receive employment and training assistance
under a national dislocated worker grant awarded
pursuant to subsection (b)(1)(E), an individual shall
be--
``(i) a dislocated worker;
``(ii) a long-term unemployed individual;
``(iii) an individual who is unemployed or
significantly underemployed as a result of
widespread substance use in the area; or
``(iv) an individual who is employed or
seeking employment in a health care profession
involved in the prevention and treatment of
substance use disorders, including such
professions that provide addiction treatment,
mental health treatment, or pain management.''.
SEC. 176. YOUTHBUILD PROGRAM.
Section 171 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3226) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(7), by striking ``(25 U.S.C. 450b)''
and inserting ``(25 U.S.C. 5304)'';
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
``(1) Amount of grants; reservation.--
``(A) Amount of grants.--Subject to subparagraph
(B), the Secretary is authorized to make grants to
applicants for the purpose of carrying out YouthBuild
programs approved under this section.
``(B) Reservation for rural areas and indian
tribes.--
``(i) Tribal reservation.--Subject to
clause (iii), in carrying out subparagraph (A),
the Secretary shall reserve not less than 5
percent of the total amount appropriated for
the purposes of that subparagraph to make
grants to applicants that are--
``(I) Indian tribes, tribal
organizations, or Native Hawaiian
organizations (as such term is defined
in section 166(b)); or
``(II) carrying out programs for
the benefit of Indians.
``(ii) Rural reservation.--Subject to
clause (iii), in carrying out subparagraph (A),
the Secretary shall reserve not less than 10
percent of the total amount appropriated for
purposes of that subparagraph to make grants to
applicants that are located in rural areas.
``(iii) Exception.--If the Secretary does
not receive a sufficient number of applications
of sufficient quality to award the amounts
reserved under clause (i) or amounts reserved
under clause (ii) in accordance with the
requirements of the applicable clause, the
Secretary may--
``(I) award grants to applicants
described in clause (i) or clause (ii),
as the case may be, in an amount not to
exceed $1,500,000 per grant; and
``(II) use any remaining amount
reserved under the applicable clause
to, notwithstanding the requirements of
that clause, award grants under
subparagraph (A) to other applications
that are not described in such
clause.'';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)--
(I) in clause (iv)--
(aa) in subclause (II), by
striking ``language learners''
and inserting ``learners'';
(bb) in subclause (III), by
striking ``a secondary'' and
inserting ``a regular high'';
and
(cc) in subclause (IV), by
striking ``required'' and
inserting ``available Federal,
State, or institutional'';
(II) in clause (v), by striking
``drug and alcohol abuse'' and
inserting ``substance use disorder'';
(III) in clause (vii)--
(aa) by inserting ``to
ensure full participation in a
YouthBuild program, including
such services for individuals
with disabilities,'' after
``services''; and
(bb) by inserting
``unsubsidized'' after
``retaining''; and
(IV) in clause (viii), by inserting
``, including career services'' after
``assistance''; and
(ii) by adding at the end the following:
``(I) Provision of meals and other food assistance
to participants in conjunction with another activity
described in this paragraph.
``(J) Provision of information on and referral to
Federal and State means tested programs.'';
(C) in paragraph (3)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``such
time, in such manner, and containing such
information'' and inserting ``such time and in
such manner''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (B)--
(I) in the header, by striking
``Minimum requirements'' and inserting
``Requirements'';
(II) by striking ``, at a
minimum'';
(III) in clause (iii), by striking
``unions'' and inserting ``labor
organizations'';
(IV) by amending clause (v) to read
as follows:
``(v) a description of the educational and
job training activities, work opportunities,
postsecondary education and training
opportunities, and other services that will be
provided to participants, and how those
activities, opportunities, and services will--
``(I) prepare youth for employment
in in-demand industry sectors or
occupations in the labor market area
described in clause (i); and
``(II) support youth in attaining a
regular high school diploma or its
recognized equivalent;'';
(V) in clause (vii), by striking
``(including agencies of Indian
tribes)'' and inserting ``, Indian
tribes, tribal organizations, and
tribal educational agencies (as such
term is defined in section 6132(b) of
the Elementary and Secondary Education
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7452(b)))'';
(VI) in clause (x), by inserting
``located in the region proposed to be
served by such applicant, as
applicable'' after ``tribes'';
(VII) by amending clause (xii) to
read as follows:
``(xii) a description of the levels of
performance the applicant expects to achieve on
the primary indicators of performance described
in section 116(b)(2)(A)(ii);'';
(VIII) in clause (xiii), by
striking ``unions'' and inserting
``labor organizations'';
(IX) by redesignating clauses (xv)
through (xxi) as clauses (xvi) through
(xxii), respectively; and
(X) by inserting after clause (xiv)
the following:
``(xv) a description of any strategies the
applicant will use to engage program
participants in providing feedback and
informing decision-making related to the
program;''; and
(D) in paragraph (4)--
(i) by striking ``such selection criteria
as the Secretary shall establish under this
section, which shall include criteria'' and
inserting ``selection criteria'';
(ii) in subparagraph (J)(iii), by adding
``and'' after the semicolon;
(iii) in subparagraph (K), by striking ``;
and'' and inserting a period; and
(iv) by striking subparagraph (L);
(3) in subsection (e)(1)(B)(i)--
(A) by striking ``are basic skills deficient'' and
inserting ``have foundational skill needs''; and
(B) by striking ``secondary'' and inserting
``regular high'';
(4) in subsection (f), by striking paragraph (2) and
inserting the following:
``(2) Use of wage records.--The Secretary shall make
arrangements with a State or other appropriate entity to
facilitate the use of State wage records to evaluate the
performance of YouthBuild programs funded under this section on
the employment and earnings indicators described in section
116(b)(2)(A)(ii) for the purposes of the report required under
paragraph (3).
``(3) Performance results.--For each program year, the
Secretary shall make available, on a publicly accessible
website of the Department, a report on the performance of
YouthBuild programs, during such program year, funded under
this section on--
``(A) the primary indicators of performance
described in section 116(b)(2)(A)(ii); and
``(B) the expected levels of performance for such
programs as described in paragraph (1).
``(4) Consultation.--In establishing expected levels of
performance under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consult,
on not less than an annual basis, with entities carrying out
YouthBuild programs to ensure such levels of performance
account for the workforce development and postsecondary
education experiences of youth served by such programs.'';
(5) in subsection (g), by inserting at the end the
following:
``(4) Annual release of funding opportunity announcement.--
The Secretary shall, to the greatest extent practicable,
announce new funding opportunities for grants under this
section during the same time period each year for which such
grants are available.''; and
(6) by amending subsection (i) to read as follows:
``(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $105,000,000 for each of the
fiscal years 2027 through 2032.''.
SEC. 177. REENTRY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES.
Subtitle D of title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity
Act (29 U.S.C. 3221 et seq.) is amended--
(1) by redesignating section 172 as section 175; and
(2) by inserting after section 171 the following:
``SEC. 172. REENTRY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES.
``(a) Purposes.--The purposes of this section are--
``(1) to improve the employment, earnings, and skill
attainment, and reduce recidivism, of adults and youth who have
been involved with the justice system;
``(2) to prompt innovation and improvement in the reentry
of offenders into the workforce so that successful initiatives
can be established or continued, and replicated; and
``(3) to further develop the evidence on how to improve
employment, earnings, and skill attainment, and reduce
recidivism, of offenders, through rigorous evaluations of
specific services provided, including how they affect different
populations and how they are best combined and sequenced, and
disseminate such evidence to entities supporting the reentry of
offenders is into the workforce.
``(b) Reentry Employment Opportunities Program.--
``(1) In general.--From the amounts appropriated under
section 175(e) and not reserved under subsection (h), the
Secretary shall carry out a Reentry Employment Opportunities
Program, through which the Secretary--
``(A) except as provided in subparagraph (B), in
order to implement reentry projects that serve eligible
adults or eligible youth shall, on a competitive
basis--
``(i) make direct awards (through grants,
contracts, or cooperative agreements) to
eligible entities to implement such reentry
projects; and
``(ii) in any year for which the Secretary
makes awards under clause (i), make
intermediary awards to eligible entities who
are national or regional intermediaries, who
shall use the award funds--
``(I) to make direct awards to
eligible entities to implement such
reentry projects; or
``(II) to implement such reentry
projects; and
``(B) in order to implement youth reentry
employment opportunities projects, through that
program, that serve eligible youth shall, on a
competitive basis--
``(i) make direct awards to youth project
eligible entities to implement such youth
reentry projects; and
``(ii) in any year for which the Secretary
makes awards under clause (i), make
intermediary awards to youth project eligible
entities who are national or regional
intermediaries, who shall use the award funds--
``(I) to make direct awards to
youth project eligible entities to
implement such youth reentry projects;
or
``(II) to implement such youth
reentry projects.
``(2) Allocation to activities.--From the amounts
appropriated under section 175(e) and not reserved under
subsection (h), the Secretary--
``(A) shall use not less than 20 percent of such
amounts for awards under paragraph (1)(A) to eligible
entities to serve as national or regional
intermediaries to provide the award funds to other
eligible entities--
``(i) to implement reentry projects
described in paragraph (1)(A); and
``(ii) to monitor and support such
entities;
``(B) shall use not less than 20 percent of such
amounts for direct or intermediary awards under
paragraph (1)(B) to--
``(i) implement youth reentry projects
described in paragraph (1)(B); and
``(ii) in cases in which the award
recipients make direct awards to other youth
reentry project eligible entities, monitor and
support such entities;
``(C) shall use 20 percent of such amounts, from
the portion reserved to carry out paragraph (1)(A), to
award funds to eligible entities using pay-for-
performance contracts--
``(i) that specify a fixed amount that will
be paid to such an entity based on the
achievement, within a defined timeframe, of
proposed levels of performance described under
subsection (e)(2)(A) on the indicators of
performance described in subsection
(e)(1)(A)(i); and
``(ii) which may provide for bonus payments
to such entity to expand capacity to provide
effective services; and
``(D) shall ensure awards made under this section
are made to eligible entities from geographically
diverse areas, in addition to giving the priorities
described in paragraph (5).
``(3) Initial award periods.--The Secretary shall make an
award under this section for an initial period of not more than
4 years.
``(4) Additional awards.--The Secretary may make, for a
period of not more than 4 years, 1 or more additional awards to
an eligible entity that received an award under this section if
the eligible entity achieved the levels of performance agreed
upon with the Secretary (as described in subsection (e)(2)) for
the most recent award period.
``(5) Priority.--In awarding funds under this section, the
Secretary shall give priority to eligible entities whose
applications submitted under subsection (c) demonstrate a
commitment to use such funds to implement a reentry project--
``(A) that will serve a high-poverty area;
``(B) that will enroll eligible youth or eligible
adults--
``(i) prior to the release of such
individuals from incarceration in a
correctional institution; or
``(ii) not later than 90 days after such
release;
``(C) whose strategy and design are evidence-based;
``(D) for which the eligible entity will establish
a partnership with--
``(i) a business;
``(ii) an institution of higher education
or provider under section 122 (as determined by
the State where services are being provided) to
provide project participants with a program
leading to a recognized postsecondary
credential in an in-demand industry sector or
occupation;
``(iii) a local educational agency; or
``(iv) an agency that receives assistance
for a program under section 225;
``(E) that provides training services, including
employment-directed skills development and on-the-job
training, that are designed to meet the specific
requirements of an employer (including a group of
employers), industry, or sector, and are conducted with
a commitment by the employer to employ individuals upon
successful completion of the preparation; and
``(F) that will serve a rural area.
``(6) Construction.--
``(A) Projects with intermediaries.--An
intermediary who receives funds under paragraph (1), to
the extent that the intermediary uses the funds to make
direct awards to eligible entities, shall carry out the
functions of the Secretary described in paragraphs (3),
(4), and (5) of this subsection, and paragraphs (1),
(2) (other than paragraph (2)(J)), and (4) of
subsection (c).
``(B) Reentry employment opportunities program
projects.--For purposes of this section, a reference to
an eligible entity, used with respect to a youth
reentry project carried out under paragraph (1)(B),
shall be considered to be a reference to a youth
project eligible entity.
``(c) Application.--
``(1) Form and procedure.--To be qualified to receive funds
under this section, an eligible entity shall submit an
application to the Secretary at such time, and in such manner,
as is determined by the Secretary, and containing the
information described in paragraph (2) and, as applicable,
paragraph (3) or (4).
``(2) Contents.--An application submitted by an eligible
entity under paragraph (1) shall contain the following:
``(A) A description of the eligible entity,
including the experience of the eligible entity in
providing education, employment, and training services
for offenders.
``(B) A description of the needs that will be
addressed by the reentry project supported by the funds
received under this section and the target participant
population and the geographic area to be served.
``(C) A description of the proposed education,
employment, and training services and supportive
services, if applicable, to be provided under such
reentry project, and how such activities will prepare
participants for employment in an in-demand industry
sector or occupation within the geographic area to be
served by such reentry project.
``(D) The anticipated schedule for carrying out the
activities proposed for the reentry project.
``(E) A description of--
``(i) the partnerships the eligible entity
will establish with agencies and entities
within the criminal justice system, agencies
and entities within the juvenile justice
system, local boards, one-stop operators, one-
stop partners, community-based organizations,
and employers (including local businesses) to
provide participants in the reentry project
with work-based learning, job placement, and
recruitment (if applicable); and
``(ii) how the eligible entity will
coordinate its activities with other services
and benefits available to offenders in the
geographic area to be served by the reentry
project.
``(F) A description of the manner in which
individuals will be recruited and selected for
participation for the reentry project.
``(G) A detailed budget and a description of the
system of fiscal controls, and auditing and
accountability procedures, that will be used to ensure
fiscal soundness for the reentry project.
``(H) A description of the proposed levels of
performance to be achieved with respect to the
indicators of performance described in subsection (e).
``(I) A description of the evidence-based practices
the eligible entity will use in administration of the
reentry project.
``(J) An assurance that the eligible entity will
collect, disaggregate by each subpopulation of
individuals with barriers to employment, and by race,
ethnicity, sex, and age, and report to the Secretary
the data required with respect to the reentry project
carried out by the eligible entity for purposes of
determining levels of performance achieved and
conducting the evaluation under this section.
``(K) An assurance that the eligible entity will
provide a match as described in subsection (d)(4).
``(L) A description of how the eligible entity
plans to continue the reentry project after the award
period.
``(M) For any project offering a recognized
postsecondary credential, a description of how the
project leads to the credential.
``(N) For a project that also serves as a program
carried out under section 225, a description of how the
award funds will be used to carry out the education
described in section 225, in conjunction with the
activities described in subsection (d).
``(3) Additional content for intermediary applicants.--An
application submitted by an eligible entity seeking to serve as
a national or regional intermediary as described in
subparagraph (A) or (B) of subsection (b)(1) shall also contain
each of the following:
``(A) An identification and description of the
eligible entities that will be subawardees of such
intermediary and implement the reentry projects, which
shall include subawardees in--
``(i) 3 or more noncontiguous metropolitan
areas or rural areas; and
``(ii) not fewer than 2 States.
``(B) A description of the services and supports
the intermediary will provide to the subawardees,
including administrative and fiscal support to ensure
the subawardees comply with all subaward requirements.
``(C) A description of how the intermediary will
facilitate the replication of evidence-based practices
or other best practices identified by the intermediary
across all subawardees.
``(D) If such intermediary is currently receiving,
or has previously received, funds under this section as
an intermediary to implement a reentry project, an
assurance that none of the subawardees identified under
subparagraph (A) are current or were previous
subawardees of the intermediary for such reentry
project and failed to meet the levels of performance
established for such reentry project.
``(4) Additional content for youth reo applications.--An
application submitted under paragraph (1) by a youth project
eligible entity seeking to serve youth applicants through an
award described in subsection (b)(1)(B) shall also contain the
following:
``(A) A description of--
``(i) how the youth reentry project will
facilitate the enrollment of eligible youth in
a program of a local educational agency, a
program of adult education and literacy
activities, a YouthBuild program, the Job
Corps, or a program of an institution of higher
education;
``(ii) how the youth reentry project will
connect eligible youth with mentors or peer
support groups to provide guidance,
encouragement, and positive role modeling
during the reentry process;
``(iii) how the youth reentry project will
involve family members, guardians, and other
supportive people in an eligible youth's life
in the reentry process;
``(iv) how the youth reentry project will
provide or support access to counseling and
substance use disorder programs for an eligible
youth;
``(v) how the youth reentry project will
assist eligible youth to find safe and stable
housing;
``(vi) how the youth reentry project will
ensure activities carried out under an award
described in subsection (b)(1)(B) are designed
to meet the needs of the population served; and
``(vii) the experience of the eligible
entity in providing services to youth,
including eligible youth, and the strategies
the eligible entity will use to ensure that
services provided are age-appropriate for
eligible youth.
``(B) A description of how a youth project eligible
entity plans to provide skills development, for
stakeholders involved in an eligible youth's reentry,
on best practices pertaining to eligible youth and
reentry.
``(d) Uses of Funds.--
``(1) Required activities.--An eligible entity that
receives funds under this section shall use such funds to
implement a reentry project for eligible adults, eligible
youth, or both, that provides each of the following:
``(A) One or more of the individualized career
services listed in subclauses (I) through (IX) of
section 134(c)(2)(B)(vii).
``(B) One or more of the training services listed
in clauses (i) through (xi) in section 134(c)(3)(D),
including subsidized employment opportunities through
transitional jobs.
``(C) For participants who are eligible youth, 1 or
more of the program elements listed in subparagraphs
(A) through (O) of section 129(c)(2).
``(2) Allowable activities.--An eligible entity that
receives funds under this section may use such funds to provide
to eligible adults, eligible youth, or both, each of the
following:
``(A) Followup services after placement in
unsubsidized employment as described in section
134(c)(2)(B)(viii).
``(B) Apprenticeship programs.
``(C) Education in digital literacy skills.
``(D) Mentoring.
``(E) Assistance in obtaining employment, including
as a result of the eligible entity--
``(i) establishing and developing
relationships and networks with large and small
employers; and
``(ii) coordinating with employers to
develop employer-directed skills development
programs and on-the-job training.
``(F) Assistance with driver's license
reinstatement (including assistance with removing or
expunging records as permitted under the applicable
Federal or State law to facilitate that reinstatement)
and fees for driver's licenses and other necessary
documents for employment and removing barriers to
employment.
``(G) Provision of or referral to evidence-based
mental health treatment by licensed practitioners.
``(H) Provision of or referral to substance use
disorder treatment services, provided that funds
awarded under this section are only used to provide
such services to participants who are unable to obtain
such services through other programs providing such
services.
``(I) Provision of or referral to supportive
services, provided that, notwithstanding section
181(h)(2), no more than 10 percent of funds awarded to
an eligible entity under this section may be used to
provide such services to participants who may be able
to obtain such services through other programs
providing such services.
``(3) Administrative cost limit.--An eligible entity may
not use more than 7 percent of the funds received under this
section for administrative costs, including for costs related
to collecting information, analysis, and coordination for
purposes of subsection (e) or (f).
``(4) Matching.--An eligible entity shall provide a match,
which may be provided in cash or in-kind, for the costs of the
project in an amount that is not less than 25 percent of the
total amount of funds awarded to the entity under this section
for the period involved, except that the Secretary may waive
the matching requirement, on a case-by-case basis and for not
more than 20 percent of all awards made under this section, if
the eligible entity involved demonstrates significant financial
hardship.
``(e) Levels of Performance.--
``(1) Establishment of levels.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall establish
expected levels of performance for reentry projects
funded under this section for--
``(i) each of the primary indicators of
performance--
``(I) for adults, as described in
section 116(b)(2)(A)(i), for eligible
adults in reentry projects for eligible
adults or reentry projects for both
eligible adults and eligible youth; and
``(II) for youth, as described in
section 116(b)(2)(A)(ii), for eligible
youth in reentry projects for eligible
youth or reentry projects for both
eligible adults and eligible youth; and
``(ii) an indicator of performance
established by the Secretary with respect to
participant recidivism.
``(B) Updates.--The levels established under
subparagraph (A) shall be updated for each 4-year-award
period.
``(2) Agreement on levels of performance.--In establishing
and updating levels of performance under paragraph (1), the
Secretary shall reach agreement on such levels with the
eligible entities receiving awards under this section that will
be subject to such levels, based on, as the Secretary
determines relevant for each indicator of performance
applicable under paragraph (1), each of the following factors:
``(A) The proposed levels of performance of each
such eligible entity described in the application
submitted under subsection (c)(2)(H).
``(B) The local economic conditions of the
geographic area to be served by each such eligible
entity, including differences in unemployment rates and
job losses or gains in particular industries.
``(C) The characteristics of project participants
when entering the project involved, including--
``(i) criminal records;
``(ii) indicators of work history;
``(iii) work experience;
``(iv) educational or occupational skills
attainment;
``(v) levels of literacy or English
proficiency;
``(vi) disability status;
``(vii) homelessness; and
``(viii) receipt of public assistance.
``(3) Failure to meet levels of performance.--In the case
of an eligible entity that fails to meet the levels of
performance established under paragraph (1) and updated to
reflect the actual local economic conditions and
characteristics of participants (as described in subparagraphs
(B) and (C) of paragraph (2)) served by the reentry project
involved for any award year, the Secretary shall provide
technical assistance to the eligible entity, including the
development of a performance improvement plan.
``(f) Evaluation of Reentry Projects.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 5 years after the first
award of funds under this section is made, the Secretary
(acting through the Chief Evaluation Officer) shall meet each
of the following requirements:
``(A) Design and conduct of evaluation.--Design and
conduct an evaluation to evaluate the effectiveness of
the reentry projects funded under this section, which
meets the requirements of paragraph (2), and includes
an evaluation of each of the following:
``(i) The effectiveness of such projects in
assisting individuals with finding unsubsidized
employment, and maintaining unsubsidized
employment during the second quarter and fourth
quarter after exit from the project.
``(ii) The effectiveness of such projects
in assisting individuals with earning
recognized postsecondary credentials.
``(iii) The effectiveness of such projects
in relation to their cost, including the extent
to which the projects improve reentry outcomes,
including in employment, compensation (which
may include wages earned and benefits), career
advancement, measurable skills gains, and
recognized postsecondary credentials earned,
and including the extent to which the projects
reduce recidivism of participants in comparison
to comparably situated individuals who did not
participate in such projects.
``(iv) The effectiveness of specific
services and interventions provided and of the
overall project design.
``(v) If applicable, the extent to which
such projects effectively serve various
demographic groups, including people of
different geographic locations, ages, races,
national origins, and criminal records, and
individuals with disabilities.
``(vi) If applicable, the appropriateness
of the sequencing, combination, or concurrent
structure, of services for each subpopulation
of individuals who are participants in such
projects, such as the order, combination, or
concurrent structure of services in which
transitional jobs and occupational skills
development are provided, to ensure that such
participants are prepared to fully benefit from
education, employment, and training services
provided under the project.
``(vii) Limitations or barriers to
education and employment encountered by
participants served by the projects as a result
of occupational or educational licensing
restrictions.
``(B) Data accessibility.--Make available, on the
publicly accessible website managed by the Department
of Labor, data collected during the course of
evaluation under this subsection, in an aggregated
format that does not disclose personally identifiable
information.
``(2) Design requirements.--An evaluation under this
subsection--
``(A) shall--
``(i) be designed by the Secretary (acting
through the Chief Evaluation Officer) in
conjunction with the eligible entities carrying
out the reentry projects being evaluated;
``(ii) include analysis of participant
feedback and outcome and process measures; and
``(iii) use designs that employ the most
rigorous analytical and statistical methods
that are reasonably feasible, such as the use
of control groups; and
``(B) may not--
``(i) collect personally identifiable
information, except to the extent such
information is necessary to conduct the
evaluation; or
``(ii) reveal or share personally
identifiable information.
``(3) Publication and reporting of evaluation findings.--
The Secretary (acting through the Chief Evaluation Officer)
shall--
``(A) in accordance with the timeline determined to
be appropriate by the Chief Evaluation Officer, publish
an interim report on such evaluation;
``(B) not later than 90 days after the date on
which any evaluation is completed under this
subsection, publish and make publicly available the
results of such evaluation; and
``(C) not later than 60 days after the completion
date described in subparagraph (B), submit to the
Committee on Education and Workforce of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions of the Senate a report on such
evaluation.
``(g) Annual Report.--
``(1) Contents.--Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary
shall post, using transparent, linked, open, and interoperable
data formats, on the publicly accessible website described in
subsection (f)(1)(B), an annual report, covering the most
recent program preceding the report, on--
``(A) the number of individuals who participated in
projects assisted under this section during the program
year;
``(B) the percentage of such individuals who
successfully completed the requirements of such
projects;
``(C) the performance of eligible entities on such
projects as measured by the indicators of performance
set forth in subsection (e); and
``(D) an explanation of any waivers granted by the
Secretary of the matching requirement under subsection
(d)(4).
``(2) Disaggregation.--The information provided under
subparagraphs (A) through (C) of paragraph (1) with respect to
a program year shall be disaggregated by each project assisted
under this section for such program year.
``(h) Reservation of Funds.--Of the funds appropriated under
section 175(e) for a fiscal year, the Secretary--
``(1) may reserve not more than 5 percent for the
administration of awards made under this section, of which not
more than 2 percent of the appropriated funds may be reserved
for the provision of--
``(A) technical assistance to eligible entities
that receive funds under this section; and
``(B) outreach and technical assistance to eligible
entities desiring to receive such funds, including
assistance with application development and submission;
and
``(2) shall reserve not less than 1 percent and not more
than 2.5 percent for the evaluation activities under subsection
(f) or to support eligible entities with any required data
collection, analysis, and coordination related to such
evaluation activities.
``(i) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Award.--The term `award' means an award of funds
through a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement.
``(2) Chief evaluation officer.--The term `Chief Evaluation
Officer' means the head of the independent evaluation office
located in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Policy of
the Department of Labor.
``(3) Correctional institution.--The term `correctional
institution' has the meaning given the term in section 225(e).
``(4) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means--
``(A) a private nonprofit organization under
section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
that is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of
such Code, including a community-based or faith-based
organization;
``(B) a local board;
``(C) a State or local government;
``(D) an Indian or Native American entity eligible
for grants under section 166;
``(E) a labor organization or joint labor-
management organization;
``(F) an industry or sector partnership;
``(G) an institution of higher education; or
``(H) a consortium of the entities described in
subparagraphs (A) through (G).
``(5) Eligible adult.--The term `eligible adult' means an
offender who is age 25 or older.
``(6) Eligible youth.--The term `eligible youth' means an
offender who is not younger than age 14 or older than age 24.
``(7) High-poverty.--The term `high-poverty', when used
with respect to a geographic area, means an area with a poverty
rate of at least 20 percent as determined based on the most
recently available data from the American Community Survey
conducted by the Bureau of the Census.
``(8) Offender.--Notwithstanding section 3, the term
`offender' means--
``(A) an individual of any age who--
``(i) not more than 5 years before
enrollment in a project funded under subsection
(b)(1)--
``(I) was released from
incarceration in a correctional
institution (including being enrolled
in a work release center at the
institution); or
``(II) finished serving an
alternative sentence, or a sentence to
a diversion program, ordered through
the adult criminal justice system; or
``(ii) on such date of enrollment, is
subject to the adult criminal justice system,
including an individual who--
``(I) is incarcerated in a
correctional institution (including
being enrolled in a work release center
at the institution), but is scheduled
to be released not more than 180 days
after such date of enrollment;
``(II) is residing in a residential
reentry center;
``(III) is subject to electronic or
home-based monitoring;
``(IV) is in the community on
probation or parole; or
``(V) is serving an alternative
sentence, or a sentence to a diversion
program, ordered through that system;
or
``(B) an individual who--
``(i) is not younger than age 14 or older
than age 24; and
``(ii) has been--
``(I) charged with, or convicted
of, any criminal offense; or
``(II) charged with, detained for,
or adjudicated of, a delinquent act or
status offense in a juvenile court.
``(9) Youth project eligible entity.--The term `youth
project eligible entity' means--
``(A) an organization described in section
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that is
exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code;
or
``(B) a State or local juvenile justice agency, or
a State or local adult correctional agency with a focus
on eligible youth.''.
SEC. 178. YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP READINESS GRANT PROGRAM.
Subtitle D of title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity
Act (29 U.S.C. 3221 et seq.) is further amended by inserting after
section 172, as added by the preceding section, the following:
``SEC. 173. YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP READINESS GRANT PROGRAM.
``(a) Purposes.--The purposes of this section are--
``(1) to increase earnings and employment for in-school
youth and out-of-school youth, ages 16 through 24, through
enrollment in and completion of evidence-based pre-
apprenticeship programs and apprenticeship programs that serve
youth;
``(2) to engage educational entities, organizations
carrying out programs that serve out-of-school youth, local
educational agencies, State boards, local boards, employers,
workforce partners (including one-stop partners), and other
apprenticeship intermediaries, to establish innovative models
for pre-apprenticeship programs and apprenticeship programs
that serve youth, including coordinating with programs that
offer supportive services that can enable participation in and
completion of the program; and
``(3) to promote alignment between education and workforce
development systems (such as through public-private
partnerships) to enable in-school youth and out-of-school youth
to participate in postsecondary education and career pathways,
including apprenticeships, that result in careers.
``(b) Youth Apprenticeship Readiness Grant Program.--
``(1) In general.--From the amounts made available to carry
out this section under section 414(c) of the American
Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act (29 U.S.C. 3224a)
and not reserved under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall, on a
competitive basis, make grants to eligible entities for
projects to develop new or expand existing pre-apprenticeship
programs and apprenticeships that serve youth.
``(2) Administrative reservation.--Of the amounts made
available to carry out this section, the Secretary may reserve
not more than 5 percent for the administration of grants made
under this section, including--
``(A) not more than 3 percent for the provision of
technical assistance to eligible entities during the
application period or the implementation phase of such
grant; and
``(B) not more than 2 percent for evaluations of
employment and earnings outcomes described in clauses
(vi), (vii), and (viii) of subsection (e)(2)(B),
identifying best practices, and facilitating the
sharing of best practices among eligible entities by
carrying out the identification and dissemination
described in subsection (f)(2).
``(3) Grant period.--The Secretary shall make such a grant
for a period of not more than 4 years and may extend the grant
for a period of not more than 2 additional years if the grant
recipient is making progress in achieving the objectives of the
project's identified programs.
``(4) Priority.--In making grants under this section, the
Secretary shall give priority to eligible entities that--
``(A) serve an area with significant workforce
shortages in the industry sector or occupation for
which the eligible entity proposes to establish an
identified program;
``(B) propose to expand or have a demonstrated
track record of expanding employment opportunities and
career pathways for individuals with a barrier to
employment;
``(C) propose to primarily serve a population that
is located in a rural or urban community and has an
area median household income of not more than 150
percent of the poverty line; or
``(D) include within the eligible entity a high-
need local educational agency or a high-need
educational service agency.
``(5) Matching requirement for grants.--In order to receive
a grant from the Secretary under this section, an eligible
entity shall provide a non-Federal contribution, which may be
provided in cash or in-kind, for the costs of the project in an
amount that is not less than 25 percent of the total amount of
funds awarded to the entity for such period.
``(c) Application.--An eligible entity that desires to receive a
grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary
at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may require and shall
include the following:
``(1)(A) A description of the eligible entity's proposed
project, to be supported by such grant, including a provision
identifying whether such project will develop or expand 1 or
more pre-apprenticeship programs or 1 or more apprenticeship
programs that serve youth.
``(B) Except in the case of an identified program by an eligible
entity described in subsection (i)(5)(A)(i) that is an apprenticeship
program that serves youth and requires each enrolled youth apprentice
to have a regular high school diploma (or recognized equivalent) as a
condition of enrollment, an assurance that each identified program will
be designed to enable--
``(i) in-school youth to receive a regular high school
diploma (in partnership with the local educational agency that
serves such youth) and receive a recognized postsecondary
credential (other than such a credential that is a
baccalaureate degree) upon completion of the program; or
``(ii) out-of-school youth to receive a high school diploma
or recognized equivalent and receive a recognized postsecondary
credential (other than such a credential that is a
baccalaureate degree) upon completion of the program.
``(2) A description of the eligible entity and a
description of how such eligible entity will--
``(A) engage with employers to develop or expand,
and sustain, each identified program; and
``(B) combine academic, career and technical
education, or related classroom instruction with on-
the-job training, allowing youth to develop industry-
specific or occupation-specific workplace competencies
and skills.
``(3) A description of the need for and design of the
project, including--
``(A) a description of the specific youth
population to be served by the project, including--
``(i) the subgroups of participants in the
population and skill levels of such
participants, and whether such participants are
in-school youth or out-of-school youth;
``(ii) how the project will increase
employment opportunities for youth who are
individuals with a barrier to employment and
youth from different subgroups of participants;
and
``(iii) how the eligible entity will ensure
that a wide range of youth, including youth who
are individuals with a barrier to employment
and youth from different subgroups of
participants, are able to participate in each
identified program;
``(B) a description of the industry sector or
occupation targeted through the eligible entity's
proposed project, the projected demand for the project
in the area served by the eligible entity, and a
citation of the data source for the projected demand;
``(C) a description of the on-the-job training
portion of the project, including a list of the
partners responsible for providing the on-the-job
training, and how such training will be designed
flexibly to meet the needs and schedule of in-school
youth and out-of-school youth;
``(D) a description of the related classroom
instruction portion of the project, including--
``(i) how coursework for that instruction
will be integrated into each identified program
and developed in conjunction with and provided
by education and training providers that are or
are within the eligible entity, the specific
partners that will provide the related
classroom instruction, and (as applicable) how
the program may be aligned with the programs of
early college high schools or dual or
concurrent enrollment programs to support youth
pre-apprentices or apprentices involved in
earning postsecondary credit;
``(ii) with respect to an identified
project by an eligible entity described in
subsection (i)(5)(A)(ii) that is designed to
serve in-school youth, a description of how the
eligible entity, through the project, will
partner with the local educational agency that
serves such youth to align challenging State
academic standards and occupational skill
standards to enable such youth to obtain a
regular high school diploma while served by the
program; and
``(iii) an explanation of how the project
will combine academic, career and technical
education, or related classroom instruction
with on-the-job training;
``(E) a description of the proposed supportive
services strategy for the youth pre-apprentices or
apprentices involved, how the project will partner with
or refer youth pre-apprentices or apprentices to
entities in the area served by the eligible entity that
provide supportive services, how such supportive
services will promote retention in and completion of
the identified program involved, and the projected
Federal, State, and local costs of such supportive
services;
``(F) if the eligible entity proposes to operate an
apprenticeship program that serves youth--
``(i) the youth apprenticeship agreement
the eligible entity intends to use;
``(ii) a description of how such eligible
entity will incorporate into the apprenticeship
program recognized postsecondary credentials
that enable youth apprentices to articulate to
employment or higher level degree or other
credential programs for multiple pathways,
including enrollment in postsecondary education
and employment; and
``(iii) if the eligible entity proposes to
develop a new apprenticeship program that
serves youth, a description of how the lead
applicant and partners will register such new
program with the Office of Apprenticeship or
State apprenticeship agency and ensure the
employer or sponsor is in compliance with the
standards and requirements of a registered
apprenticeship under the Act of August 16, 1937
(commonly known as the `National Apprenticeship
Act'; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663; 29 U.S.C. 50
et seq.), and that youth apprentices will earn
a recognized postsecondary credential; and
``(G) if the eligible entity proposes to operate a
pre-apprenticeship program--
``(i) a description of how the eligible
entity, through the program, will connect
participants to and prepare participants for an
apprenticeship program; and
``(ii) an explanation of how the eligible
entity, in carrying out the project involved,
will work with alternative and non-traditional
schools, institutions of higher education, and
out-of-school youth programs.
``(4) A description of how the eligible entity will promote
alignment between local or State education and workforce
development systems by supporting policies or practices that
facilitate transitions from secondary school (including
alternative and nontraditional schools) and pre-apprenticeship
programs to apprenticeship programs and postsecondary
education.
``(5) A description of expected outcomes and outputs from
the project that includes--
``(A) an attestation that the eligible entity will
report to the Secretary, in a timely and complete
manner, the information required under subsection (e);
and
``(B) estimated levels of performance over each
year of the grant period for each of the indicators
described in subparagraphs (B) and (C) of subsection
(e)(2).
``(6) A description of the roles and responsibilities of
each entity involved in the project, including any such entity
that is a State or local government entity, qualified
intermediary, service provider, independent evaluator, or other
stakeholder.
``(7) An attestation that the eligible entity has, or will
attempt to develop, a memorandum of understanding with any
relevant State workforce agency to facilitate matches to wage
record data for youth pre-apprentices or apprentices to obtain
the necessary information to fulfill the requirements of
subsection (e)(2).
``(8) The total intended budget for the project, including
a description of any additional resources that may supplement
the amount awarded under this section, including any funds the
eligible entity intends to use to fulfill the matching funds
requirement described under subsection (b)(5), and a
description of the eligible entity's plan to sustain the
project funded through the grant beyond the conclusion of the
grant period.
``(9) For any program offering a recognized postsecondary
credential, a description of how the program leads to the
credential.
``(d) Uses of Funds.--
``(1) In general.--An eligible entity receiving a grant
under this section shall use the grant funds to carry out the
project proposed under subsection (c) for purposes of carrying
out 1 or more of the following activities:
``(A) Develop or expand a pre-apprenticeship
program.
``(B) Develop or expand an apprenticeship program
that serves youth, including registering such a program
and its youth apprentices through the Office of
Apprenticeship or an applicable State apprenticeship
agency.
``(2) Additional uses.--An eligible entity receiving a
grant under this section may use the grant funds, for each
identified program, to--
``(A) recruit youth to and enroll youth in an
identified program, including conducting outreach to
individuals with a barrier to employment and
individuals preparing for nontraditional employment
(when the identified program is in such field);
``(B) conduct participant assessments to determine
skill levels;
``(C) support the provision of on-the-job training
for participants in accordance with subsection
(c)(3)(C), including by developing or modifying
training activities to meet the needs of participants,
as applicable;
``(D) support the provision of related classroom
instruction by education and training providers for
participants in accordance with subsection (c)(3)(D),
including--
``(i) the development of courses at the
secondary level--
``(I) that are aligned with
requirements to obtain a regular high
school diploma and integrated into the
identified program; and
``(II) that may be aligned with the
requirements of early college high
schools or dual or concurrent
enrollment programs to support youth
pre-apprentices or youth apprentices
involved in earning postsecondary
credit;
``(ii) if the identified program is
designed to serve in-school youth, the
alignment of challenging State academic
standards and occupational skill standards in
secondary education;
``(iii) payment of participant tuition or
other educational fees for projects; and
``(iv) the provision of instructional
materials, equipment, and educational
technology for such instruction;
``(E) provide supportive services such as
transportation, child care, dependent care, housing,
and needs-related payments to enable youth to
participate in and complete the education and training
activities of the identified program;
``(F) provide professional development
opportunities for secondary and postsecondary
educators, and employers and mentors in the project, to
prepare the educators, employers, and mentors to
effectively support youth participating in the
identified program;
``(G) increase awareness among parents, educators,
students (especially individuals with a barrier to
employment, individuals from underserved populations,
and individuals from nontraditional apprenticeship
populations), and employers or apprenticeship sponsors
in the targeted service area about the benefits of
youth participating in a pre-apprenticeship program or
an apprenticeship program that serves youth;
``(H) promote innovation, inclusion in the
identified program, and alignment of the program with
programs authorized under the Carl D. Perkins Career
and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2301 et
seq.); and
``(I) develop and integrate data collection
systems, including within a statewide longitudinal data
system, to track educational and employment outcomes of
participants in the identified program.
``(3) Supportive services.--An eligible entity receiving a
grant under this section may use, as provided in paragraph
(2)(E), not more than 15 percent of grant funds awarded under
this section to provide supportive services in accordance with
that paragraph.
``(e) Levels of Performance.--
``(1) Targeted levels of performance.--
``(A) In general.--An eligible entity receiving a
grant under this section shall, in accordance with the
indicators for participant outcomes described in
paragraph (2)(B) and for program outputs described in
paragraph (2)(C), identify targeted levels of
performance for such indicators, which shall, at
minimum, be equal to or greater than the estimated
levels of performance identified by the eligible entity
in the entity's application under subsection (c)(5).
``(B) Agreement on targeted levels of
performance.--Not later than 2 months after the
identification described in subparagraph (A), the
eligible entity shall reach an agreement with the
Secretary on levels of performance for each indicator
described in subparagraphs (B) and (C) of paragraph
(2).
``(2) Annual recipient report.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than 2 years after
receipt of a grant under this section and annually
thereafter, the eligible entity shall prepare and
submit to the Secretary a report evaluating the
performance and impact of the project funded through
the grant with respect to participant outcome and
program output indicators described in subparagraphs
(B) and (C), disaggregated by the subgroups of
participants subject to paragraph (3).
``(B) Participant outcomes.--Consistent with
subparagraph (A), an eligible entity receiving a grant
under this section shall report to the Secretary data,
for each identified program carried out by the eligible
entity, on participant outcome indicators for each such
program consisting of the--
``(i) total participants served and
enrolled in any identified program,
disaggregated by youth pre-apprentices and
apprentices;
``(ii) retention rate during each fiscal
year of participants enrolled in any identified
program in the project that have not completed
such program, compared to that retention rate
for the previous fiscal year, disaggregated by
youth pre-apprentices and apprentices;
``(iii) total participants who attain a
regular high school diploma or recognized
equivalent, disaggregated by youth pre-
apprentices and apprentices;
``(iv) total participants who complete such
an identified program;
``(v) total participants who receive an
associate or baccalaureate degree or other type
of recognized postsecondary credential during
or upon completion of the identified program;
``(vi) median hourly wage of youth pre-
apprentices (as applicable) or youth
apprentices on the date of exit from the
identified program and during the second and
fourth quarters after exit from the program,
and a comparison of such wage to the local
median hourly wage for the industry sector or
occupation for which the identified program is
targeted;
``(vii) total participants in employment
during the second and fourth quarter after exit
from the program; and
``(viii) total participants who complete a
pre-apprenticeship program, disaggregated by
the type of education, skills development, and
apprenticeship opportunities or employment
pursued by such youth pre-apprentices after
such completion.
``(C) Program outputs.--Consistent with
subparagraph (A), an eligible entity receiving a grant
under this section shall report to the Secretary data
on program output indicators consisting of the--
``(i) total number of all identified
programs developed or expanded during the
period covered by the report, disaggregated by
pre-apprenticeship programs and apprenticeship
programs that serve youth;
``(ii) total number of apprenticeships that
serve youth, if applicable, that were developed
or expanded during that period, including an
apprenticeship program expanded as described in
subsection (d)(1) to new industry sectors,
occupations, or service areas;
``(iii) total number of employers who
became engaged in an identified program during
that period, as a direct result of a grant
under this section; and
``(iv) for each year of the period covered
by the report, the total share of the grant
received under this section spent by the
eligible entity on the uses of funds described
under subparagraphs (C) and (D) of subsection
(d)(2).
``(3) Disaggregation.--The disaggregation of data under
paragraph (2) shall not be required in a case where the number
of participants in the subgroup of participants is insufficient
to yield statistically reliable information or the results
would reveal personally identifiable information about an
individual participant.
``(4) Use of results.--
``(A) Evaluation.--
``(i) Annual evaluation.--Not later than 2
years after the date of enactment of the A
Stronger Workforce for America Act of 2026 and
annually thereafter, the Secretary shall
evaluate whether each eligible entity involved
met the agreed levels of performance described
in paragraph (1)(B) for each of the eligible
entity's identified programs.
``(ii) End of program evaluation.--Not
later than 30 days after each cohort of
participants completes an eligible entity's
identified program, the Secretary shall
evaluate whether the eligible entity met the
agreed levels of performance for that
identified program.
``(B) Technical assistance.--If the Secretary
determines under subparagraph (A) that an eligible
entity fails to meet 1 or more of the agreed levels of
performance for an identified program, the Secretary
shall provide technical assistance, including
assistance in the development of a performance
improvement plan.
``(C) Nonrenewal of grant.--If the Secretary
determines, 1 year after the eligible entity receives
that technical assistance and implements that plan,
that the eligible entity fails to meet the agreed
levels of performance described in paragraph (1)(B) for
an identified program, the Secretary shall not extend a
grant for that eligible entity for that program under
subsection (b).
``(f) Evaluations and Reports.--
``(1) Report to congress.--Not later than 24 months after
the date of enactment of the A Stronger Workforce for America
Act of 2026 and annually thereafter, the Secretary, in
coordination with the Secretary of Education, using data
reported by eligible entities pursuant to the requirements
under subsection (e)--
``(A) shall publish the data;
``(B) shall prepare and make publicly available a
report containing the data on the indicators described
in subparagraphs (B) and (C) of subsection (e)(2); and
``(C) shall submit the report to the Committee on
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate
and the Committee on Education and Workforce of the
House of Representatives.
``(2) Sharing of best practices.--Not later than 2 years
after the date of enactment of the A Stronger Workforce for
America Act of 2026, the Secretary shall use funds reserved
under subsection (b)(2)(C) to identify and disseminate, through
a website developed by the Department of Labor, best practices
in developing and expanding pre-apprenticeship opportunities or
apprenticeship opportunities for youth used by--
``(A) eligible entities receiving a grant under
this section; and
``(B) States and local areas adopting innovative
and effective practices to develop and expand such
opportunities.
``(g) Compliance With Other Laws and Agreements.--
``(1) Collective bargaining.--Nothing in a youth
apprenticeship agreement under this section shall be construed
to invalidate an applicable provision in a collective
bargaining agreement, between employers and employees, that
establishes higher standards for programs in the national
apprenticeship system.
``(2) Child labor.--
``(A) In general.--An eligible entity carrying out
a project under this section shall ensure compliance
with the provisions on child labor under the Fair Labor
Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 201 et seq.) and State
law (including Federal and State regulations under
those laws), and with State workers' compensation laws.
``(B) Minimum legal age.--The eligible entity shall
only serve in-school youth, and out-of-school youth,
who are not younger than the minimum legal age to be
employed as apprentices under the Fair Labor Standards
Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 201 et seq.) and any applicable
State laws.
``(C) Pre-apprenticeship exception.--An eligible
entity that prepares or intends to prepare individuals
for a covered occupation may submit an application
under subsection (c) to develop or expand a pre-
apprenticeship program that serves a youth who is
younger than the age of 18 only if the program is
limited to classroom instruction in the covered
occupation.
``(h) Special Rules Regarding Protections for Youth in Programs
That Prepare Youth for Covered Occupations.--
``(1) Pre-apprenticeships in covered occupations for youth
under the age of 18.--A pre-apprenticeship program supported
using funds awarded under this section that serves or intends
to serve a youth who is younger than the age of 18 and prepares
such youth for a covered occupation may only provide classroom
instruction to such youth in such program and may not provide
on-the-job training in a covered occupation to such youth in
such program.
``(2) Prohibition on youth apprenticeships in covered
occupations for youth under the age of 18.--An apprenticeship
program that serves youth that is supported using funds awarded
under this section and that prepares a youth apprentice for a
covered occupation may not enroll in such program a youth who
is younger than the age of 18.
``(3) Apprenticeships for youth under the age of 18.--An
apprenticeship program supported using funds awarded under this
section may serve youth who are not younger than age 16 or
older than age 17, provided that such program is not preparing
such youth for a covered occupation.
``(i) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Apprenticeship program that serves youth.--The term
`apprenticeship program that serves youth' means a registered
apprenticeship program registered by the Office of
Apprenticeship or a State apprenticeship agency under the Act
of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the `National
Apprenticeship Act'; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663; 29 U.S.C. 50 et
seq.), that is designed for youth not younger than age 16 or
older than age 24.
``(2) Covered occupation.--The term `covered occupation'
means an occupation in--
``(A) manufacturing;
``(B) construction;
``(C) mining;
``(D) trenching or excavation;
``(E) logging or an occupation related to timber;
``(F) work involving a saw mill;
``(G) work involving the operation of heavy
machinery;
``(H) work involving exposure to radioactive
substances or to ionizing radiations;
``(I) meat processing;
``(J) demolition;
``(K) explosives; or
``(L) work in any industry sector or occupation
that is prohibited to a youth who is younger than the
age of 18 under the laws or policies of the State where
the work occurs.
``(3) CTE terms.--The terms `Tribally controlled college or
university' and `Tribally controlled postsecondary career and
technical institution' have the meanings given the terms
`tribally controlled college or university' and `tribally
controlled postsecondary career and technical institution',
respectively, in section 3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and
Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302).
``(4) Education and training provider.--The term `education
and training provider' means--
``(A) an area career and technical education
school;
``(B) an early college high school;
``(C) a provider of a dual or concurrent enrollment
program;
``(D) a community-based organization that offers
job training;
``(E) a high school operated by a local educational
agency;
``(F) a local educational agency, educational
service agency, or State educational agency;
``(G) a Tribal education agency (meaning such an
agency within the meaning of section 3(20)(E) of the
Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of
2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302(20)(E))), Tribally controlled
college or university, or Tribally controlled
postsecondary career and technical institution;
``(H) the Bureau of Indian Education;
``(I) an institution of higher education;
``(J) a State entity that coordinates higher
education, such as a community college system office, a
single State educational board, or State higher
education agency (as defined in section 103 of the
Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1003));
``(K) a historically Black college or university,
meaning a part B institution as defined in section 322
of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1061);
``(L) a minority-serving institution;
``(M) a local agency administering plans under
title I of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C.
720 et seq.), other than section 112 or part C of that
title (29 U.S.C. 732, 741);
``(N) a related integrated instruction provider,
including a qualified intermediary acting as a related
integrated instruction provider as approved by the
Office of Apprenticeship or a State apprenticeship
agency recognized by the Secretary;
``(O) a consortium of entities described in any of
subparagraphs (A) through (N); or
``(P) as used with respect to an eligible entity
described in paragraph (5)(A)(i), the joint labor-
management organization that is such eligible entity.
``(5) Eligible entity.--
``(A) In general.--The term `eligible entity'
means--
``(i) a joint labor-management
organization; or
``(ii) a partnership that--
``(I) shall include as the lead
applicant 1 entity that is--
``(aa) an education and
training provider;
``(bb) a workforce
development system entity;
``(cc) a qualified
intermediary;
``(dd) a State agency of
the State in which the
partnership is located; or
``(ee) a joint labor-
management organization;
``(II) shall include as a partner--
``(aa) at least 1 employer
or an industry or trade
association that represents at
least 2 employers;
``(bb) an education and
training provider;
``(cc) the State
apprenticeship agency;
``(dd) a local board or the
State board;
``(ee) a local educational
agency, if the partnership is
serving in-school youth; or
``(ff) a qualified
intermediary; and
``(III) may include as an
additional partner--
``(aa) the State
educational agency;
``(bb) an institution of
higher education;
``(cc) an Indian Tribe;
``(dd) the State entity
that coordinates higher
education, such as a community
college system office, a single
State educational board, or
State higher education agency
(as defined in section 103 of
the Higher Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 1003));
``(ee) a community-based
organization that offers job
training; or
``(ff) a joint labor-
management organization.
``(B) Rule of construction.--For purposes of this
section, a reference to a lead applicant, partner, or
partnership between a lead applicant and partners, with
respect to an eligible entity described in subparagraph
(A)(i), shall be deemed to be a reference to the
eligible entity.
``(6) ESEA terms.--The terms `dual or concurrent enrollment
program', `early college high school', `educational service
agency', and `high school' have the meanings given the terms in
section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
``(7) Grant.--The term `grant' means a contract,
cooperative agreement, or award.
``(8) High-need educational service agency.--The term
`high-need educational service agency' means an educational
service agency that serves a significant number or percentage
of high-need local educational agencies.
``(9) High-need local educational agency.--The term `high-
need local educational agency' has the meaning given the term
in section 200 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1021).
``(10) Identified program.--The term `identified program'
means a pre-apprenticeship program, or youth program that
serves youth, that is proposed to be carried out by an eligible
entity in an application approved under subsection (c) for a
project.
``(11) Minority-serving institution.--The term `minority-
serving institution' means an institution defined in any of
paragraphs (1) through (7) of section 371(a) of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067q(a)).
``(12) National apprenticeship system.--The term `national
apprenticeship system' means the apprenticeship programs,
apprenticeship programs that serve youth, and pre-
apprenticeship programs that are approved by the Office of
Apprenticeship or State apprenticeship agencies.
``(13) Pre-apprenticeship program.--The term `pre-
apprenticeship program' means a program that--
``(A) prepares youth to enroll in and complete an
apprenticeship program;
``(B) maintains a written partnership with an
apprenticeship program; and
``(C) in the case of a program with respect to a
covered occupation, is provided only through classroom
instruction for any youth pre-apprentice who is younger
than the age of 18.
``(14) Qualified intermediary.--The term `qualified
intermediary'--
``(A) means a nonprofit entity operating in a State
or local area that demonstrates expertise and
experience in serving participants, employers, and
schools by--
``(i) building, sustaining, measuring, and
improving the quality and performance of
apprenticeship programs that serve youth;
``(ii) assisting in the design, approval,
registration, and implementation of
apprenticeship programs that serve youth,
including program development and meeting
program requirements, including registration
and reporting requirements;
``(iii) in collaboration with 1 or more
State educational agencies, local educational
agencies, or institutions of higher education
included in the eligible entity involved,
providing collaborative professional
development activities such as training for
workplace supervisors, mentors, counselors, and
teachers, instructors, and other educators;
``(iv) supporting the recruitment for,
retention in, and completion of apprenticeship
programs that serve youth with respect to
potential or enrolled youth apprentices,
including youth apprentices who are from low-
income backgrounds or members of nontraditional
apprenticeship populations;
``(v) developing and providing supportive
services including by partnering with
organizations to provide access to or referrals
for supportive services, financial literacy
services, and other support based upon needs of
potential or enrolled youth apprentices; or
``(vi) serving as a program sponsor; and
``(B) may consist of--
``(i) a joint labor-management
organization;
``(ii) a community-based organization; or
``(iii) an industry association.
``(15) State.--The term `State' means each of the several
States of the United States, the District of Columbia, the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and an outlying area.
``(16) State agency.--The term `State agency' means a State
educational agency, State workforce agency, or State
apprenticeship agency.
``(17) State apprenticeship agency.--The term `State
apprenticeship agency' means an agency of a State government
that has been authorized by the Office of Apprenticeship to
register and oversee apprenticeship programs and has the
responsibility and accountability for apprenticeship programs
within the State.
``(18) Subgroup of participants.--The term `subgroup of
participants' means--
``(A) in-school youth;
``(B) out-of-school youth; and
``(C) each of the special populations, as defined
in section 3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and
Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302).
``(19) Workforce development system entity.--The term
`workforce development system entity' means an entity that is
involved in administering a workforce development system
established under this Act, which shall be a State board, a
local board, or an Indian Tribe, Tribal organization, or Native
Hawaiian organization, as defined in section 166(b).
``(20) Youth.--The term `youth' means an individual who is
not younger than age 16 or older than age 24.
``(21) Youth apprentice.--The term `youth', used with
respect to an apprentice, means a youth who is participating in
an apprenticeship program that serves youth.
``(22) Youth apprenticeship agreement.--The term `youth
apprenticeship agreement' means a written agreement under
subsection (c)(3)(F) that is agreed to by each of the
following:
``(A) A youth.
``(B) The youth's parent or legal guardian, as
applicable.
``(C) One or more local educational agencies, if
the eligible entity involved is serving in-school
youth.
``(D) The youth apprenticeship sponsor, which may
be an employer.
``(E) As applicable, a qualified intermediary for
an apprenticeship program that serves youth.
``(F) As applicable, one or more institutions of
higher education.
``(G) As applicable, one or more employers.
``(23) Youth pre-apprentice.--The term `youth', used with
respect to a pre-apprentice, means a youth who is participating
in a pre-apprenticeship program.''.
SEC. 179. STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY COLLEGES GRANT PROGRAM.
Subtitle D of title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity
Act (29 U.S.C. 3221 et seq.) is further amended by inserting after
section 173, as added by the preceding section, the following:
``SEC. 174. STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY COLLEGES WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
GRANTS PROGRAM.
``(a) Purposes.--The purposes of this section are--
``(1) to establish, improve, or expand high-quality
workforce development programs at community colleges; and
``(2) to expand opportunities for individuals to obtain
recognized postsecondary credentials that are nationally or
regionally portable and stackable for high-skill, high-wage, or
in-demand industry sectors or occupations.
``(b) Strengthening Community Colleges Workforce Development Grants
Program.--
``(1) In general.--From the amounts appropriated to carry
out this section under section 175(f) and not reserved under
paragraph (2), the Secretary shall, on a competitive basis,
make grants to eligible institutions to carry out the
activities described in subsection (e).
``(2) Reservation.--Of the amounts appropriated to carry
out this section under section 175(f), the Secretary may
reserve not more than 2 percent for the administration of
grants awarded under this section, including--
``(A) providing technical assistance and targeted
outreach to support eligible institutions serving a
high number or high percentage of low-income
individuals or individuals with barriers to employment,
and rural-serving eligible institutions, to provide
guidance and assistance in the process of applying for
grants under this section; and
``(B) evaluating and reporting on the performance
and impact of programs funded under this section in
accordance with subsections (f) through (h).
``(c) Award Period.--
``(1) Initial grant period.--Each grant under this section
shall be awarded for an initial period of not more than 4
years.
``(2) Subsequent grants.--An eligible institution that
receives an initial grant under this section may receive one or
more additional grants under this section for additional
periods of not more than 4 years each if the eligible
institution demonstrates that, during the most recently
completed grant period for a grant received under this section,
such eligible institution achieved the levels of performance
agreed to by the eligible institution with respect to the
performance indicators specified in subsection (f).
``(d) Application.--
``(1) In general.--To be eligible to receive a grant under
this section, an eligible institution shall submit an
application to the Secretary at such time and in such manner as
the Secretary may require.
``(2) Contents.--An application submitted by an eligible
institution under paragraph (1) shall include a description of
each the following:
``(A) The extent to which the eligible institution
has demonstrated success building partnerships with
employers in in-demand industry sectors or occupations
to provide students with the skills needed for
occupations in such industries and an explanation of
the results of any such partnerships.
``(B) The methods and strategies the eligible
institution will use to engage with employers in in-
demand industry sectors or occupations, including any
arrangements to place individuals who complete the
workforce development programs supported by the grant
into employment with such employers.
``(C) The proposed eligible institution and
industry partnership that the eligible institution will
establish or maintain to comply with subsection (e)(1),
including--
``(i) the roles and responsibilities of
each employer, organization, agency, or
institution of higher education that the
eligible institution will partner with to carry
out the activities under this section; and
``(ii) the needs that will be addressed by
such eligible institution and industry
partnership.
``(D) One or more industries that such partnership
will target and real-time labor market data
demonstrating that those industries are aligned with
employer demand in the geographic area to be served by
the eligible institution.
``(E) The extent to which the eligible institution
can--
``(i) leverage additional resources to
support the programs to be funded with the
grant, which shall include written commitments
of any leveraged or matching funds for the
proposed programs; and
``(ii) demonstrate the future
sustainability of each such program.
``(F) The steps the institution will take to ensure
the high quality of each program to be funded with the
grant, including the career pathways within such
programs.
``(G) The population and geographic area to be
served by the eligible institution, including the
number of individuals the eligible institution intends
to serve during the grant period.
``(H) The workforce development programs to be
supported by the grant.
``(I) The recognized postsecondary credentials that
are expected to be earned by participants in such
workforce development programs and the related high-
skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors or
occupations for which such programs will prepare
participants.
``(J) The evidence upon which the education and
skills development strategies to be used in such
workforce development programs are based and an
explanation of how such evidence influenced the design
of the programs to improve education and employment
outcomes.
``(K) How activities of the eligible institution
are expected to align with the workforce strategies
identified in--
``(i) any State plan or local plan
submitted under this Act by the State, outlying
area, or locality in which the eligible
institution is expected to operate;
``(ii) any State plan submitted under
section 122 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and
Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C.
2342) by such State or outlying area; and
``(iii) any economic development plan of
the chief executive of such State or outlying
area.
``(L) The goals of the eligible institution with
respect to--
``(i) capacity building (as described in
subsection (f)(1)(B)); and
``(ii) the expected performance of
individuals participating in the programs to be
offered by the eligible institution, including
with respect to any performance indicators
applicable under section 116 or subsection (f)
of this section.
``(3) Consideration of previous experience.--The Secretary
may not disqualify an eligible institution from receiving a
grant under this section solely because such institution lacks
previous experience in building partnerships, as described in
paragraph (2)(A).
``(4) Priority.--In awarding grants under this section, the
Secretary shall give priority to eligible institutions that--
``(A) will use the grant to serve--
``(i) individuals with barriers to
employment; or
``(ii) incumbent workers who need to gain
or improve foundational skills to enhance their
employability;
``(B) use competency-based assessments, such as the
competency-based assessment identified by the State in
which the eligible institution is located under section
134(a)(2)(B)(vii), to award academic credit for prior
learning for programs supported by the grant; or
``(C) have, or will seek to have, the career
education programs supported by the grant included on
the list of eligible providers of training services
under section 122 for the State in which the eligible
institution is located.
``(e) Uses of Funds.--
``(1) Eligible institution and industry partnership.--For
the purpose of carrying out the activities specified in
paragraphs (2) and (3), an eligible institution that receives a
grant under this section shall establish a partnership (or
continue an existing partnership) with one or more employers in
an in-demand industry sector or occupation (in this section
referred to as an `eligible institution and industry
partnership') and shall maintain such partnership for the
duration of the grant period. The eligible institution shall
ensure that the partnership--
``(A) targets one or more specific high-skill,
high-wage, or in-demand industries;
``(B) includes collaboration with the workforce
development system;
``(C) serves adult and dislocated workers,
incumbent workers, and new entrants to the workforce;
``(D) uses an evidence-based program design that is
appropriate for the activities carried out by the
partnership;
``(E) incorporates work-based learning
opportunities; and
``(F) incorporates, to the extent appropriate,
virtual service delivery to facilitate technology-
enabled learning.
``(2) Required activities.--An eligible institution that
receives a grant under this section shall, in consultation with
the employers in the eligible institution and industry
partnership described in paragraph (1)--
``(A) establish, improve, or expand high-quality,
evidence-based workforce development programs, career
pathway programs, or work-based learning programs
(including apprenticeship programs or
preapprenticeships);
``(B) provide career services to individuals
participating in the programs funded with the grant to
facilitate retention and program completion, which may
include--
``(i) career navigation, coaching,
mentorship, and case management services,
including providing information and outreach to
individuals with barriers to employment to
encourage such individuals to participate in
programs funded with the grant; and
``(ii) providing access to course
materials, technological devices, required
equipment, and other supports necessary for
participation in and successful completion of
such programs; and
``(C) make available, in a format that is open,
searchable, and easily comparable, information on--
``(i) curricula and recognized
postsecondary credentials offered through
programs funded with the grant, including any
curricula or credentials created or further
developed using such grant, which for each
recognized postsecondary credential, shall
include--
``(I) the issuing entity of such
credential;
``(II) any third-party endorsements
of such credential;
``(III) the occupations for which
the credential prepares individuals;
``(IV) the skills and competencies
necessary to achieve to earn such
credential;
``(V) the level of mastery of such
skills and competencies (including how
mastery is assessed); and
``(VI) any transfer value or
stackability of the credential;
``(ii) any skills or competencies developed
by individuals who participate in such programs
beyond the skills and competencies identified
as part of the recognized postsecondary
credential awarded; and
``(iii) related employment and earnings
outcomes on the primary indicators of
performance described in subclauses (I) through
(III) of section 116(b)(2)(A)(i).
``(3) Additional activities.--In addition to the activities
required under paragraph (2), an eligible institution that
receives a grant under this section shall, in consultation with
the employers in the eligible institution and industry
partnership described in paragraph (1), carry out one or more
of the following activities:
``(A) Establish, improve, or expand--
``(i) articulation agreements (as defined
in section 486A(a) of the Higher Education Act
of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1093a(a)));
``(ii) credit transfer agreements;
``(iii) corequisite remediation programs
that enable a student to receive remedial
education services while enrolled in a
postsecondary course rather than requiring the
student to receive remedial education before
enrolling in such a course;
``(iv) dual or concurrent enrollment
programs;
``(v) competency-based education and
assessment; or
``(vi) policies and processes to award
academic credit for prior learning or for the
programs described in paragraph (2)(A).
``(B) Establish or implement plans for providers of
the programs described in paragraph (2)(A) to meet the
criteria and carry out the procedures necessary to be
included on the list of eligible providers of training
services described in section 122(d).
``(C) Purchase, lease, or refurbish specialized
equipment as necessary to carry out such programs,
provided that not more than 15 percent of the funds
awarded to the eligible institution under this section
may be used for activities described in this
subparagraph.
``(D) Reduce or eliminate unmet financial need
relating to the cost of attendance (as defined under
section 472 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1087ll)) of participants in such programs.
``(4) Administrative cost limit.--An eligible institution
may use not more than 7 percent of the funds awarded under this
section for administrative costs, including costs related to
collecting information, analysis, and coordination for purposes
of subsection (f).
``(f) Levels of Performance and Performance Reviews.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall develop and
implement guidance that establishes the levels of performance
that are expected to be achieved by each eligible institution
receiving a grant under this section. Such levels of
performance shall be established on the following indicators:
``(A) Each of the primary indicators of performance
for adults described in section 116(b)(2)(A)(i), which
shall be applied for all individuals who participated
in a program that received funding from a grant under
this section.
``(B) The extent to which the eligible institution
built capacity by--
``(i) increasing the breadth and depth of
employer engagement and investment in workforce
development programs in the in-demand industry
sectors and occupations targeted by the
eligible institution and industry partnership
established or maintained by the eligible
institution under subsection (e)(1);
``(ii) designing or implementing new and
accelerated instructional techniques or
technologies, including the use of advanced
online and technology-enabled learning (such as
immersive technology); and
``(iii) increasing program and policy
alignment across systems and decreasing
duplicative services or service gaps.
``(C) With respect to individuals who participated
in a workforce development program funded with the
grant--
``(i) the percentage of participants who
successfully completed the program; and
``(ii) of the participants who were
incumbent workers at the time of enrollment in
the program, the percentage who advanced into
higher level positions during or after
completing the program.
``(2) Consultation and determination of levels of
performance.--
``(A) Consideration.--In developing levels of
performance in accordance with paragraph (1), the
Secretary shall take into consideration the goals of
the eligible institution pursuant to subsection
(d)(2)(L).
``(B) Determination.--After completing the
consideration required under subparagraph (A), the
Secretary shall separately determine the levels of
performance that will apply to each eligible
institution, taking into account--
``(i) the expected levels of performance of
each eligible institution with respect to the
goals described by the eligible institution
pursuant to subsection (d)(2)(L); and
``(ii) local economic conditions in the
geographic area to be served by the eligible
institution, including differences in
unemployment rates and job losses or gains in
particular industries.
``(C) Notice and acknowledgment.--
``(i) Notice.--The Secretary shall provide
each eligible institution with a written
notification that sets forth the levels of
performance that will apply to the eligible
institution, as determined under subparagraph
(B).
``(ii) Acknowledgment.--After receiving the
notification described in clause (i), each
eligible institution shall submit to the
Secretary written confirmation that the
eligible institution--
``(I) received the notification;
and
``(II) agrees to be evaluated in
accordance with the levels of
performance determined by the
Secretary.
``(3) Performance reviews.--On an annual basis during each
year of the grant period, the Secretary shall evaluate the
performance during such year of each eligible institution
receiving a grant under this section in a manner consistent
with the levels of performance determined for such institution
pursuant to paragraph (2).
``(4) Failure to meet levels of performance.--After
conducting an evaluation under paragraph (3), if the Secretary
determines that an eligible institution did not achieve the
levels of performance applicable to the eligible institution
under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall--
``(A) provide technical assistance to the eligible
institution; and
``(B) develop a performance improvement plan for
the eligible institution.
``(g) Evaluations and Reports.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 4 years after the date on
which the first grant is made under this section, the Secretary
shall design and conduct an evaluation to determine the overall
effectiveness of the eligible institutions receiving a grant
under this section.
``(2) Elements.--The evaluation of the effectiveness of
eligible institutions conducted under paragraph (1) shall
include an assessment of the general effectiveness of programs
and activities supported by the grants awarded to such eligible
institutions under this section, including the extent to which
the programs and activities--
``(A) developed new, or expanded existing,
successful industry sector strategies, including the
extent to which such eligible institutions deepened
employer engagement and developed workforce development
programs that met industry skill needs;
``(B) created, expanded, or enhanced career
pathways, including the extent to which the eligible
institutions developed or improved competency-based
education and assessment, credit for prior learning,
modularized and self-paced curricula, integrated
education and workforce development, dual enrollment in
secondary and postsecondary career pathways, stacked
and latticed credentials, and online and distance
learning;
``(C) created alignment between eligible
institutions and the workforce development system;
``(D) assisted individuals with finding, retaining,
or advancing in employment;
``(E) assisted individuals with earning recognized
postsecondary credentials; and
``(F) provided equal access to various demographic
groups, including people of different geographic
locations, ages, races, national origins, and sexes.
``(3) Design requirements.--The evaluation under this
subsection shall--
``(A) be designed by the Secretary (acting through
the Chief Evaluation Officer) in conjunction with the
eligible institutions being evaluated;
``(B) include analysis of program participant
feedback and outcome and process measures; and
``(C) use designs that employ the most rigorous
analytical and statistical methods that are reasonably
feasible, such as the use of control groups.
``(4) Data accessibility.--The Secretary shall make
available on a publicly accessible website of the Department of
Labor any data collected as part of the evaluation under this
subsection. Such data shall be made available in an aggregated
format that does not reveal personally identifiable information
and that ensures compliance with relevant Federal laws,
including section 444 of the General Education Provisions Act
(commonly known as the `Family Educational Rights and Privacy
Act of 1974') (20 U.S.C. 1232g).
``(5) Publication and reporting of evaluation findings.--
The Secretary (acting through the Chief Evaluation Officer)
shall--
``(A) in accordance with the timeline determined to
be appropriate by the Chief Evaluation Officer, publish
an interim report on the preliminary results of the
evaluation conducted under this subsection;
``(B) not later than 60 days after the date on
which the evaluation is completed under this
subsection, submit to the Committee on Education and
Workforce of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of
the Senate a report on such evaluation; and
``(C) not later than 90 days after such completion
date, publish and make the results of such evaluation
available on a publicly accessible website of the
Department of Labor.
``(h) Annual Reports.--The Secretary shall make available on a
publicly accessible website of the Department of Labor, in transparent,
linked, open, and interoperable data formats, the following
information:
``(1) The performance of eligible institutions on the
capacity-building performance indicator set forth under
subsection (f)(1)(B).
``(2) The performance of eligible institutions on the
workforce development participant outcome performance
indicators set forth under subsection (f)(1)(C).
``(3) The number of individuals enrolled in workforce
development programs funded with a grant under this section.
``(i) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Chief evaluation officer.--The term `Chief Evaluation
Officer' means the head of the independent evaluation office
located in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Policy of
the Department of Labor.
``(2) Community college.--The term `community college'
means--
``(A) a public institution of higher education (as
defined in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act
(20 U.S.C. 1001(a)), at which--
``(i) the highest degree awarded is an
associate degree; or
``(ii) an associate degree is the most
frequently awarded degree;
``(B) a branch campus of a 4-year public
institution of higher education (as defined in section
101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1001)), if, at such branch campus--
``(i) the highest degree awarded is an
associate degree; or
``(ii) an associate degree is the most
frequently awarded degree;
``(C) a 2-year Tribal College or University (as
defined in section 316(b)(3) of the Higher Education
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059c(b)(3))); or
``(D) a degree-granting Tribal College or
University (as defined in section 316(b)(3) of the
Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059c(b)(3)))
at which--
``(i) the highest degree awarded is an
associate degree; or
``(ii) an associate degree is the most
frequently awarded degree.
``(3) Eligible institution.--The term `eligible
institution' means--
``(A) a community college;
``(B) a postsecondary vocational institution (as
defined in section 102(c) of the Higher Education Act
of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002(c))); or
``(C) a consortium of such colleges or
institutions.
``(j) Supplement Not Supplant.--Funds made available under this
section shall be used to supplement, and not supplant, other Federal,
State, and local public funds made available for carrying out the
activities described in this section.''.
SEC. 180. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 175 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, as so
redesignated, is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsections (e) and (f) as subsections
(g) and (h), respectively; and
(2) by striking subsections (a) through (d) and inserting
the following:
``(a) Native American Programs.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out section 166 (not including subsection (k) of
such section) $62,500,000 for each of the fiscal years 2027 through
2032.
``(b) Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Programs.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 167 $97,396,000 for
each of the fiscal years 2027 through 2032.
``(c) Evaluations and Research.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out section 169 $6,000,000 for each of the fiscal
years 2027 through 2032.
``(d) Reentry Program.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
carry out section 172 $110,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2027
through 2032.
``(e) Strengthening Community Colleges Program.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 173 $65,000,000 for
each of the fiscal years 2027 through 2032.''.
Subtitle F--Administration
SEC. 191. REQUIREMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS.
(a) Labor Standards.--Section 181(b) of the Workforce Innovation
and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3241(b)) is amended by adding at the end
the following:
``(8) Child labor.--Individuals in on-the-job training or
individuals employed in programs and activities under this
title shall be employed in accordance with the provisions on
child labor under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29
U.S.C. 201 et seq.) and applicable State law.
``(9) Consultation.--If an employer provides on-the-job
training, incumbent worker training, or employer-directed
skills development with funds made available under this title
directly to employees of such employer that are subject to a
collective bargaining agreement with the employer, the employer
shall consult with the labor organization that represents such
employees on the planning and design of such training or
development.''.
(b) Remedies.--Section 181(c)(3)(B) of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3241(c)(3)(B)) is amended by inserting ``for
a period of not less than 2 years'' before the semicolon at the end.
(c) Relocation.--Section 181(d)(2) of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3241(d)(2)) is amended by striking
``incumbent worker training,'' and inserting ``incumbent worker
training, employer-directed skills development,''.
(d) Supportive Services.--Section 181 of the Workforce Innovation
and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3241) is amended by adding at the end
the following:
``(h) Supportive Services.--Except as provided in section
134(d)(2), funds provided under this title may only be used to provide
supportive services to individuals who--
``(1) are participating in activities under programs
authorized under this title;
``(2) are unable to obtain the supportive services through
programs listed in section 121(b)(2); and
``(3) require supportive services to enable participation
in activities under programs authorized under this title.''.
SEC. 192. MONITORING.
Section 183 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3243) is amended by striking ``recipients'' each place it
appears and inserting ``recipients and subrecipients''.
SEC. 193. FISCAL CONTROLS; SANCTIONS.
Section 184(b) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3244(b)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) as
paragraphs (3), (5), and (6), respectively;
(2) by inserting before paragraph (3), as so redesignated,
the following:
``(1) In general.--For the purposes of this title, a
substantial violation shall--
``(A) be determined in accordance with the
procedures established by the Governor as described in
paragraph (2); and
``(B) include any willful violation of the
requirements under subsections (a) or (b) of section
181 for which there has been a final determination of
the violation without any remaining right to appeal.
``(2) Procedures.--The Governor shall establish procedures
to be used by local areas and, in the case of funds described
in section 128(a) or pertaining to the enforcement provisions
under section 122(g), by any other individual or entity
specified by the Governor to determine if a substantial
violation of this title has occurred.'';
(3) in paragraph (3), as so redesignated--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``; or'' and
inserting a semicolon;
(B) in subparagraph (B)(v), by striking the period
at the end and inserting ``; or''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) reduce any local allotment under section
128(b) or 133(b) to the local area involved by not more
than 5 percent for the fiscal year after the fiscal
year in which the substantial violation, for which
corrective action was not taken, occurred.'';
(4) by inserting after paragraph (3), as so redesignated,
the following:
``(4) Reallocation of reductions.--Any amount that was
reduced from an allotment to a local area in accordance with
paragraph (3)(C) shall be reallocated by the Governor to the
other local areas within the State that are not subject to an
action described in paragraph (3) in a manner determined by the
Governor, which may take into consideration whether such other
local area is serving a significant number of individuals with
barriers to employment.'';
(5) in paragraph (5), as so redesignated, by striking ``(A)
and (B)'' and inserting ``(A), (B), and (C)''; and
(6) in paragraph (6), as so redesignated, by striking
``paragraph (1)'' and inserting ``paragraph (2)''
SEC. 194. ADMINISTRATIVE ADJUDICATION.
Section 186(a) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3246(a)) is amended by striking ``184'' and inserting ``181 or
184''.
SEC. 195. JUDICIAL REVIEW.
Section 187(a)(1) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
(29 U.S.C. 3247(a)(1)) is amended by striking ``184'' and inserting
``181 or 184''.
SEC. 196. GENERAL WAIVERS OF STATUTORY OR REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS.
Section 189(i)(3) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
(29 U.S.C. 3249(i)(3)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A)(i) by striking ``procedures for
review and approval of plans'' and inserting ``the procedures
for review and approval of plans, the performance reports
described in section 116(d), and the requirement described in
section 134(c)(1)(B)''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(E) Model template.--Not later than one year
after the date of enactment of the A Stronger Workforce
for America Act of 2026, the Secretary shall issue
guidance and provide model templates to States to
assist States in requesting common waivers of statutory
or regulatory requirements under this subsection.''.
SEC. 197. MAKE AMERICA SKILLED AGAIN GRANTS.
Section 190 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3250) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 190. MAKE AMERICA SKILLED AGAIN GRANTS.
``(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to--
``(1) authorize States to apply under this section on
behalf of the State as a whole, or on behalf of a local area or
a consortium of local areas in the State, to receive the
allotments or allocations of the State or the local areas,
respectively, for youth workforce investment activities under
chapter 2 of subtitle B and adult and dislocated worker
employment and training activities under chapter 3 of subtitle
B as a consolidated grant for 5 years for the purpose of
carrying out a pilot project to pursue innovative reforms to
achieve better outcomes for jobseekers, workers, employers, and
taxpayers; and
``(2) require that rigorous evaluations be conducted to
demonstrate if better outcomes and opportunities to achieve
economic self-sufficiency for participants, including
participants receiving a priority for services under this
section, and associated innovative reforms to improve service
delivery were achieved as a result of such pilot projects.
``(b) General Authority.--
``(1) Waivers, pilot project grant amounts, and
reservations.--Notwithstanding any other provision of subtitle
A or B, except as otherwise provided in this section, during
the pilot project period applicable to a pilot project approved
for a State pursuant to subsection (d)(3), the Secretary, the
Governor of a State participating in such pilot project on
behalf of the State as a whole, local area, or consortium of
local areas, and a local area or consortium of local areas on
whose behalf a Governor is participating in such a pilot
project, shall, as applicable, comply with each of the
following:
``(A) Waivers.--Subject to paragraph (2), the
Secretary shall waive for the State as a whole, or for
the local area or the consortium of local areas
selected by the State to carry out such pilot project,
all the statutory and regulatory requirements of
subtitles A and B.
``(B) Pilot project grant amounts.--For each fiscal
year applicable to a pilot period, the Secretary shall
carry out the following:
``(i) State as a whole.--In a case of a
State approved to carry out a pilot project
under this section on behalf of the State as a
whole, distribute as a consolidated sum to the
State, for purposes of carrying out the
project, the State's total allotment for such
fiscal year under--
``(I) subsections (b)(1)(C) and (c)
of section 127;
``(II) paragraphs (1)(B) and (2)(B)
of section 132(b); and
``(III) section 132(c).
``(ii) Local area.--In a case of a local
area selected by a State and approved to carry
out a pilot project under this section, require
the State to--
``(I) distribute as a consolidated
sum to the local board for such local
area, for purposes of carrying out the
project, the local area's allocation
for such fiscal year under--
``(aa) subsections (b) and
(c) of section 128; and
``(bb) subsections (b) and
(c) of section 133; or
``(II) if the local board of the
local area enters into a written
agreement with the State for the State
to serve as the fiscal agent for the
local board during the pilot project,
use the funds described in subclause
(I) for purposes of carrying out the
project on behalf of the local board.
``(iii) Consortium of local areas.--In a
case of a consortium of local areas selected by
a State and approved to carry out a pilot
project under this section, require the State
to--
``(I) distribute as a consolidated
sum to the consortium, for purposes of
carrying out the project, the total
amount of the allocations for the local
areas in such consortium for such
fiscal year under--
``(aa) subsections (b) and
(c) of section 128; and
``(bb) subsections (b) and
(c) of section 133; or
``(II) if the consortium enters
into a written agreement with the State
for the State to serve as the fiscal
agent for the consortium during the
pilot project, use the funds described
in subclause (I) for purposes of
carrying out the project on behalf of
such consortium.
``(C) State reservation.--The Governor of a State
participating in a pilot project on behalf of the State
as a whole shall reserve not less than 25 percent of
the consolidated sum allotted to the State, as
described in subparagraph (B)(i), for the purpose of
developing and implementing evidence-based workforce
development activities in the State. Such activities--
``(i) shall comply with the priority of
service requirement described in subsection
(e)(3); and
``(ii) may include strategies such as--
``(I) innovative skills development
programs to improve employment outcomes
for jobseekers, incumbent workers, and
dislocated workers;
``(II) job training programs and
assistance with removing barriers to
employment for offenders;
``(III) pre-apprenticeships,
apprenticeships, and evidence-based
workforce development and employment
opportunities, including for youth
(particularly out-of-school youth);
``(IV) the development and
strengthening of industry or sector
partnerships and training programs
offered under such partnerships;
``(V) the optimization of
supportive service delivery and the
integration of such services within the
workforce system to promote retention
in and completion of training programs
for participants served under the pilot
project; and
``(VI) other strategies as may be
appropriate and necessary to achieve
better outcomes for jobseekers,
workers, employers, and taxpayers, as
determined by the Governor.
``(D) Local area and consortium reservation.--A
local area or a consortium of local areas for which a
pilot project is authorized under this section shall
reserve not less than 25 percent of the consolidated
sum allotted, as described in clause (ii) or (iii),
respectively, of subparagraph (B), to the local area or
consortium of local areas, respectively, for the
purpose of developing and implementing evidence-based
workforce development activities described in
subparagraph (C) in the local area or local areas
served by the consortium, respectively.
``(2) Exceptions.--
``(A) In general.--A State, local area, or
consortium of local areas carrying out a pilot project
under this section shall comply with statutory or
regulatory requirements of this Act relating to--
``(i) performance accountability and
reporting, except as otherwise provided in this
section;
``(ii) the membership of local boards or
State boards in instances where a State
carrying out a pilot project will maintain the
use of such local boards or State boards,
respectively, during the pilot project period;
``(iii) the requirement to set minimum
levels of performance on the criteria described
in section 122(b)(2)(B) for any providers of
training services that will receive funding
under the pilot project;
``(iv) the establishment of the one-stop
delivery system to make the services and
activities carried out under the pilot project
available to individuals in the State, local
area, or consortium of local areas carrying out
the pilot project, except that, of the
requirements in section 121(e), such one-stop
delivery system shall only be required to meet
the requirements of paragraph (2) of that
section and only with respect to the services
and activities of the pilot project;
``(v) the fiscal and management
accountability information systems described in
section 116(j) and, in the case of a pilot
project carried out by a local area or
consortium of local areas, the provisions on
fiscal integrity described in section 106; and
``(vi) the priority of service described in
section 134(c)(3)(E).
``(B) Applicability of defined terms.--In carrying
out a pilot project under this section, a State, local
area, or consortium of local areas may only use a term
defined in section 3 to describe an activity carried
out under such pilot project if the State, local area,
or consortium of local areas gives such term the same
meaning as such term is given under such section.
``(C) Rule of construction.--Nothing in
subparagraph (A)(iv) shall be construed to prevent a
State, local area, or consortium of local areas
carrying out a pilot project under this section from
deciding to maintain the one-stop delivery system in
effect for the State, local area, or consortium,
respectively, prior to the start of the pilot project.
``(3) Authority for third-party evaluation.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than 180 days after
the first pilot project is approved under this section,
the Secretary shall contract with a third-party
evaluator to conduct a rigorous evaluation of each
pilot project approved under this section. The
evaluation shall--
``(i) cover the entire period of each pilot
project;
``(ii) include a description of--
``(I) the populations served under
the pilot project, including with
respect to individuals with barriers to
employment served under the pilot
project, disaggregated by each
subpopulation of such individuals, and
by race, ethnicity, sex, and age;
``(II) the services provided
through the pilot project, the
providers of such services, and the
cost of such services, disaggregated by
the type of service provided;
``(III) if the pilot project is
carried out by a State, the geographic
distribution within the State of the
services provided under the pilot
project; and
``(IV) the workforce development
systems in the State, local area, or
consortium of local areas that were
affected, and the nature of such
effects, as a result of the pilot
project;
``(iii) compare the employment and earnings
outcomes of participants in activities carried
out under the pilot project to--
``(I) the outcomes of similarly
situated individuals who do not
participate in such activities and who
are located in such State, such local
area, or a local area in such
consortium, as applicable;
``(II) the outcomes of similarly
situated participants in similarly
situated States or local areas within
such States, as applicable, that do not
receive authority to carry out a pilot
project under this section; and
``(III) the outcomes of
participants in activities under
chapter 2 or 3 of subtitle B in the
State, local area, or a local area in
the consortium that was awarded a
waiver prior to the award of such
waiver;
``(iv) conduct a qualitative analysis that
identifies any practices or strategies
(including promising, evidence-based, or
innovative practices and strategies) that--
``(I) would not have been conducted
without the waiving of statutory or
regulatory provisions through the pilot
project; and
``(II) led to changes in employment
and earnings outcomes for the
participants, including employment and
earnings outcomes for participants who
are out-of-school youth and individuals
with barriers to employment; and
``(v) compare the outcomes for subclauses
(I), (II), and (III) of clause (iii) with
respect to the subpopulations described in
section 116(d)(2)(B).
``(B) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the
final year of a pilot project approved under this
section, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on
Education and Workforce of the House of Representatives
and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and
Pensions of the Senate the results of the evaluation
conducted under this paragraph.
``(c) Pilot Period; Limitations.--
``(1) In general.--A pilot project approved under this
section for a State, local area, or consortium--
``(A) shall be carried out for a 5-year pilot
project period; and
``(B) may be renewed for an additional 4-year pilot
project period, if the State, local area, or
consortium--
``(i) for each of the final 3 years of the
preceding 5-year pilot project period, meets
its expected levels of performance established
under subsection (f)(1)(C); and
``(ii) for the final year of the preceding
5-year pilot project period, achieves a
performance improvement of not less than an
average of a 5-percent increase across all of
the indicators of performance described in
clauses (i) and (ii) of subsection (f)(1)(A),
compared with--
``(I) the highest level of
performance for the corresponding
indicators of performance, as described
in subsection (f)(1)(B)(i) with respect
to such State, for the most recent
program year that ended prior to the
beginning of the first year of the
preceding 5-year pilot project period;
or
``(II) the alternate baseline level
of performance for the corresponding
indicators of performance that is
agreed upon between the State and the
Secretary under subsection
(f)(1)(B)(ii).
``(2) Limitations.--
``(A) Pilot period limitations.--For each pilot
period (including renewals of such period) the
Secretary may not approve--
``(i) more than 10 pilot projects for
States to carry out a pilot project described
in subsection (b)(1)(B)(i), except as provided
in subparagraph (C); and
``(ii) more than 8 pilot projects for local
areas (or consortia of local areas) to carry
out a pilot project described in clause (ii) or
(iii) of subsection (b)(1)(B).
``(B) State limitations.--Not more than 1 pilot
project may be approved under this section per State.
For purposes of this subparagraph, a pilot project
described in clause (ii) or (iii) of subsection
(b)(1)(B) approved for a local area or a consortium of
local areas, respectively, in a State shall be
considered a pilot project approved under this section
for the State.
``(C) Subsequent approval.--Notwithstanding
subparagraph (A)(i), the Secretary may award authority
to carry out a pilot project for a State as a whole
under this section to 2 additional States if, at the
beginning of the third year of the pilot projects
awarded to the 10 States under subparagraph (A)(i),
each of such States--
``(i) has met or exceeded expected levels
of performance under the primary indicators of
performance described in section 116(b)(2)(A);
and
``(ii) meets the requirement described in
subsection (e)(4).
``(d) Application.--
``(1) In general.--To be eligible to carry out a pilot
project under this section, a State shall submit to the
Secretary an application at such time and in such manner as the
Secretary may reasonably require, and containing the
information described in paragraph (2).
``(2) Content.--Each application submitted by a State under
this subsection shall include the following:
``(A) A description of the pilot project to be
carried out under this section, including--
``(i) whether the project will be carried
out--
``(I) by the State as a whole;
``(II) by a local area, and if so--
``(aa) an identification
of--
``(AA) such local
area; and
``(BB) whether the
local area will be the
fiscal agent for the
project, or whether the
local board has entered
into a written
agreement with the
State for the State to
serve as the fiscal
agent during the
project; and
``(bb) written verification
from the local board for such
local area that such local
board agrees--
``(AA) to carry out
such project; and
``(BB) to the
fiscal agent identified
in item (aa)(BB); or
``(III) by a consortium of local
areas in the State, and if so--
``(aa) an identification
of--
``(AA) each local
area that comprises the
consortium; and
``(BB) the local
area that will serve as
the fiscal agent for
the consortium during
the project, or whether
the consortium has
entered into a written
agreement with the
State for the State to
serve as the fiscal
agent; and
``(bb) written verification
from each local board of each
local area identified in item
(aa)(AA) that such local board
agrees--
``(AA) to carry out
such project as a
consortium; and
``(BB) to the
fiscal agent for the
consortium identified
in item (aa)(BB);
``(ii) a description of the activities to
be carried out under the project, including--
``(I) the activities to be carried
out under the reservation required
under subparagraph (C) or (D) of
subsection (b)(1), as applicable;
``(II) how the activities will
comply with the priority of service
described in subsection (e)(3); and
``(III) how the activities will be
made available through the one-stop
delivery system described in subsection
(b)(2)(A)(iv);
``(iii) the goals the State, local area, or
consortium intends to achieve through such
activities, which shall be aligned with the
purpose described in subsection (a); and
``(iv) a description of any reforms or
improvements, including any reforms or
improvements that may be evidence-based, to
service delivery to be carried out under the
project.
``(B) A description of the performance outcomes the
State, the local area, or consortium expects to achieve
for such activities for each year of the pilot project
period as described in subsection (f)(1).
``(C) A description of how the State, local area,
or consortium consulted with employers, the State
board, and the local boards in the State in determining
the activities to carry out under the pilot project.
``(D) A description of how the State will make such
activities available to jobseekers and employers in
each of the local areas in the State or, in a case of a
project that will be carried out by a local area or a
consortium, a description of how such services will be
made available to jobseekers and employers in such
local area or each of the local areas in the
consortium.
``(E) A description, if appropriate, of how the
State, local area, or consortium will integrate the
funds received, and the activities carried out, under
the pilot project under this section with funds and
activities for State workforce development programs and
other Federal, State, or local workforce, education, or
social service programs (including the programs and
activities listed in section 103(a)(2), the program of
adult education and literacy activities authorized
under title II, and the program authorized under title
I of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 720 et
seq.)).
``(F) An explanation of--
``(i) how the State, local area, or
consortium will ensure that jobseekers and
employers in urban, rural, and suburban areas
are able to participate in the pilot project;
or
``(ii) the factors preventing jobseekers
and employers in such areas from participating.
``(G) An assurance that the State, local area, or
consortium will meet the requirements of this section.
``(3) Secretarial approval.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall--
``(i) approve an application submitted
under this subsection, and the pilot project
described in such application, not later than
90 days after the date on which such
application is submitted, unless the Secretary
meets the requirements of clause (ii); and
``(ii) have the authority to disapprove
such application only if, by not later than 90
days after the date on which such application
is submitted, the Secretary--
``(I) determines--
``(aa) that such
application is subject to the
limitations described in
subsection (c)(2); or
``(bb) that such
application fails to meet the
requirements of this section;
and
``(II) in a case which the
Secretary makes the determination
described in subclause (I)(bb),
provides to the State a written
explanation of initial disapproval that
meets the requirements of subparagraph
(B).
``(B) Initial disapproval.--An explanation of
initial disapproval provided by the Secretary to a
State under subparagraph (A)(ii)(II) shall provide the
State with--
``(i) a detailed explanation of why the
application does not meet the requirements of
this section; and
``(ii) if the State is not subject to the
limitations described in subsection (c), an
opportunity to revise and resubmit the State's
application under this section.
``(C) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this
paragraph shall be construed to require the Secretary
to approve more pilot projects than allowed under the
limitations described in subsection (c)(2).
``(4) Priority.--In approving pilot projects under this
section in the case that more States, on behalf of the State as
a whole or on behalf of local areas and consortia of local
areas, have submitted applications that meet the requirements
of this section than the Secretary is allowed to approve
pursuant to the limitations described in subsection (c)(2), the
Secretary shall give priority consideration as follows:
``(A) For applications seeking a pilot project for
the State as a whole--
``(i) first, to applications submitted by
States with a population of not more than
5,000,000 and not less than 15 workforce
boards, as of the date of enactment of the A
Stronger Workforce for America Act of 2026; and
``(ii) second, to applications submitted by
States that have achieved the State adjusted
levels of performance for the youth program
authorized under chapter 2 of subtitle B and
the adult and dislocated worker programs
authorized under chapter 3 of subtitle B in the
most recent program year for which performance
information is available.
``(B) For applications seeking a pilot project for
a local area or consortium of local areas, to
applications submitted by local areas or consortia of
local areas that have achieved the negotiated local
levels of performance for such youth program and such
adult and dislocated worker programs in the most recent
program year for which performance information is
available.
``(e) State Pilot Project Requirements.--A State, local area, or
consortium that has been approved to carry out a pilot project under
this section shall meet each of the following requirements:
``(1) Use of funds.--Use the funds received pursuant to
subsection (b)(1)(B) solely to carry out the activities of the
pilot project to achieve the goals of the pilot project, as
described in subsection (d)(2)(A).
``(2) Administrative costs limitation.--Use not more than
10 percent of the funds received pursuant to subsection
(b)(1)(B) for a fiscal year for the administrative costs of
carrying out the pilot project.
``(3) Priority for services.--Give priority for services
under the project to veterans and their eligible spouses in
accordance with the requirements of section 4215 of title 38,
United States Code, recipients of public assistance, low-income
individuals, individuals who have foundational skill needs,
out-of-school youth, and dislocated workers.
``(4) Number of participants.--Serve a number of
participants under the activities of the pilot project for each
year of the pilot project period that--
``(A) is greater than the number of participants
served by such State, local area, or consortium, as
applicable, under the programs described in
subparagraph (A) of section 3(13) for the most recent
program year that ended prior to the beginning of the
first year of the pilot project period; or
``(B) is not less than the number of participants
to be served under the activities of the pilot project
that is agreed upon between the State, local area, or
consortium, as applicable, and the Secretary--
``(i) prior to the Secretary's approval of
the application submitted under subsection (d);
and
``(ii) after the Secretary takes into
account--
``(I) the goals the State, local
area, or consortium intends to achieve
through the pilot project; and
``(II) the participants the State,
local area, or consortium intends to
serve under such project.
``(5) Reporting outcomes.--Submit, on an annual basis, to
the Secretary a report, with respect to such State, local area,
or consortium--
``(A) on participant outcomes for each indicator of
performance described in subsection (f)(1)(A) for the
activities carried out under the project;
``(B) on the applicable requirements of section
116(d)(2), including--
``(i) subparagraph (B) of such section; and
``(ii) subparagraphs (C), (D), (E), (F),
(G), and (J) of such section, as such
subparagraphs are applicable to activities
under the pilot project; and
``(C) containing a description of how the State
spent the amounts reserved under subsection (b)(1)(C)
or the local area or consortium spent the amounts
reserved under subsection (b)(1)(D), as applicable, and
any evidence-based practices developed with such
amounts.
``(6) Compliance with certain existing requirements.--
Comply with the statutory or regulatory requirements listed in
subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (b)(2).
``(f) Performance Accountability.--
``(1) Establishment of baseline levels for performance.--
``(A) In general.--Each State shall describe in the
application submitted under subsection (d), for each
year of the pilot project period--
``(i) with respect to participants who are
at least 25 years old, the expected State
levels of performance or expected local levels
of performance, as the case may be, for each of
the indicators of performance under section
116(b)(2)(A)(i) for the activities carried out
under the project under this section, which
shall meet the requirements of subparagraph
(B); and
``(ii) with respect to participants who are
at least 16 years old and not older than 24
years old, the expected State levels of
performance or expected local levels of
performance, as the case may be, for each of
the indicators of performance under section
116(b)(2)(A)(ii) for the activities carried out
under the project under this section, which
shall meet the requirements of subparagraph
(B).
``(B) Fifth year.--Each of the expected levels of
performance established pursuant to subparagraph (A)
for each of the indicators of performance for the fifth
year of the pilot project period shall be higher than--
``(i) the highest State adjusted or
negotiated local level of performance, as
applicable, for the corresponding indicator of
performance for the programs described in
subparagraph (A) of section 3(13), for the most
recent program year for such State that ended
prior to the beginning of the first year of the
pilot project period; or
``(ii) an alternate baseline level of
performance that--
``(I) shall not be lower than the
most recent State adjusted or
negotiated local level of performance
(including any revisions) for the
corresponding indicator of performance
for the youth program under chapter 2
of subtitle B or the adult or
dislocated worker program under chapter
3 of such subtitle (using the program
determined most applicable by the
Governor of the State submitting the
application), taking into account the
goals the State intends to achieve
through the pilot project and the
participants the State intends to serve
through such project; and
``(II) is agreed upon between the
State and the Secretary--
``(aa) prior to the
Secretary's approval of the
application submitted under
subsection (d); and
``(bb) after the Secretary
takes into account--
``(AA) the goals
the State intends to
achieve through the
pilot project; and
``(BB) the
participants the State
intends to serve under
such project.
``(C) Agreed level for performance on expected
levels of performance.--Prior to approving an
application for a pilot project submitted by a State,
and using the expected levels of performance described
in such application, the Secretary shall reach an
agreement with such State on the expected levels of
performance for each of the indicators of performance.
In reaching an agreement on such expected levels of
performance, the Secretary and the State may consider
the factors described in section 116(b)(3)(A)(v).
``(2) Sanctions.--
``(A) In general.--The sanctions described in
section 116(f)(1)(B) shall apply to a State, local
area, or consortium of local areas beginning on the
third year of the pilot project period (and, for
failures described in clause (ii)(II) of that section,
shall first apply for consecutive failures in that
third year and the following year) for such State,
local area, or consortium, except that the expected
levels of performance established under paragraph (1)
shall be--
``(i) deemed to be levels of performance
agreed to under section 116(b)(3)(A)(iv), for
purposes of this paragraph; and
``(ii) adjusted at the end of each program
year to reflect the actual characteristics of
participants served and the actual economic
conditions experienced using a statistical
adjustment model similar to the model described
in section 116(b)(3)(A)(viii).
``(B) Ineligibility for renewal.--A State, local
area, or consortium that is subject to such sanctions
shall be ineligible to renew its pilot project period
under subsection (c).
``(3) Impact of local or consortium pilot projects on
statewide accountability.--With respect to a State with an
approved pilot project for a local area or consortium of local
areas in the State--
``(A) the performance of such local area or
consortium for the programs described in subparagraph
(A) of section 3(13) shall not be included in the
levels of performance for such State for any of such
programs for purposes of section 116 for any program
year that is applicable to any year of the pilot
project period; and
``(B) with respect to any local areas of the State
that are not part of the pilot project, the State shall
reach a new agreement with the Secretary, for purposes
of section 116(b)(3)(A), on levels of performance for
such programs for such program years.
``(g) Termination.--Except as provided under subsection (c)(1)(B),
the Secretary may not approve a pilot project after December 31,
2031.''.
SEC. 198. GENERAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS.
Section 194 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3254)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(16)(A) In general.--Each recipient of funds described in
section 128(a), section 128(b), or section 133(b) or under
subtitle C or D (including a provider described in section
122(i) that is awarded such funds by a State or local area)
shall provide to the appropriate entity an assurance that the
recipient will adhere to the requirements under subsections (a)
and (b) of section 181.
``(B) Appropriate Entity.--For the purposes of this paragraph, the
term `appropriate entity' means--
``(i) in the case of any funds described in section 128(a),
the Governor of the State providing such funds;
``(ii) in the case of any funds described in section 128(b)
or section 133(b), the local board providing such funds; and
``(iii) in the case of any funds under subtitle C or D, the
Secretary.
``(17) Regarding states with low population density.--
``(A) Low-density workforce area considerations.--
In the case of a local area located in a `low-density
workforce area', section 129(c)(4) shall be applied--
``(i) by substituting `25 percent' for `40
percent'; and
``(ii) by substituting `7 and 1/2 percent'
for `12 and 1/2 percent'.
``(B) Low-density workforce area definition.--In
this title, the term `low-density workforce area' means
a State with a population density of less than 1.5
persons per square mile, as determined by the most
recent decennial census of the Bureau of the Census.''.
TITLE II--ADULT EDUCATION AND LITERACY
Subtitle A--Transferring All Functions of the Adult Education and
Family Literacy Act to the Department of Labor
SEC. 201. TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS.
There are transferred to the Secretary of Labor all functions which
the Secretary of Education and the Department of Education exercised
before the effective date of this subtitle (including all related
functions of any officer or employee of that Department) under title II
of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3271 et
seq.).
SEC. 202. PERSONNEL DETERMINATIONS BY THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND
BUDGET.
The Office of Management and Budget shall--
(1) ensure that this subtitle does not result in any net
increase in full-time equivalent employees across all Federal
agencies impacted by this subtitle; and
(2) not later than 1 year after the effective date of this
subtitle, certify compliance with this subtitle to the
Committee on Education and Workforce of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor,
and Pensions of the Senate.
SEC. 203. DELEGATION AND ASSIGNMENT.
Except where otherwise expressly prohibited by law or otherwise
provided by this subtitle, the Secretary of Labor may delegate any of
the functions transferred to the Secretary of Labor by section 201 and
any function described in section 201 that was transferred or granted
to such Secretary after the effective date of this subtitle to such
officers and employees of such Secretary as the Secretary may
designate, and may authorize successive redelegations of such functions
described in section 201 as may be necessary or appropriate. No
delegation of such functions by the Secretary of Labor under this
section or under any other provision of this subtitle shall relieve
such Secretary of responsibility for the administration of such
functions.
SEC. 204. REORGANIZATION; RULES.
(a) Reorganization.--Except where otherwise expressly prohibited by
law or otherwise provided by this Act (or the amendments made by this
Act), the Secretary of Labor is authorized to allocate or reallocate
any function transferred under section 201 among the officers of the
Department of Labor, and to consolidate, alter, or discontinue such
organizational entities in such Department as may be necessary or
appropriate.
(b) Rules.--The Secretary of Labor is authorized to prescribe, in
accordance with the provisions of chapters 5 and 6 of title 5, United
States Code, such rules and regulations as that the Secretary
determines necessary or appropriate to administer and manage the
functions described in section 201 of the Department of Labor.
SEC. 205. TRANSFER AND ALLOCATION OF APPROPRIATIONS AND PERSONNEL.
Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, the personnel
employed in connection with, and the assets, liabilities, contracts,
property, records, and unexpended balance of appropriations,
authorizations, allocations, and other funds employed, held, used,
arising from, available to, or to be made available in connection with
the functions and offices, or portions thereof transferred by section
201, subject to section 1531 of title 31, United States Code, shall be
transferred to the Secretary of Labor. Unexpended funds transferred
pursuant to this section shall be used only for the purposes for which
the funds were originally authorized and appropriated.
SEC. 206. INCIDENTAL TRANSFERS.
The Director of the Office of Management and Budget, at such time
or times as the Director shall provide, is authorized to make such
determinations as may be necessary with regard to the functions
transferred by section 201, and to make such additional incidental
dispositions of personnel, assets, liabilities, grants, contracts,
property, records, and unexpended balances of appropriations,
authorizations, allocations, and other funds held, used, arising from,
available to, or to be made available in connection with such
functions, as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this
subtitle. The Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall
provide for the termination of the affairs of all entities terminated
by this subtitle and for such further measures and dispositions as may
be necessary to effectuate the purposes of this subtitle, with respect
to such functions.
SEC. 207. SAVINGS PROVISIONS.
(a) Continuing Effect of Legal Documents.--All orders,
determinations, rules, regulations, permits, grants, contracts,
certificates, licenses, registrations, privileges, and other
administrative actions--
(1) which have been issued, made, granted, or allowed to
become effective by the President, any Federal department or
agency or official thereof, or by a court of competent
jurisdiction, in the performance of functions which are
transferred under this Act to the Secretary or the Department,
and
(2) which are in effect at the time this Act takes effect,
shall continue in effect according to their terms until modified,
terminated, superseded, set aside, or revoked in accordance with the
law by the President, the Secretary of Labor, or other authorized
official, a court of competent jurisdiction, or by operation of law.
(b) Proceedings Not Affected.--The provisions of this subtitle
shall not affect any proceedings, including notices of proposed
rulemaking, or any application for any license, permit, certificate, or
financial assistance pending on the effective date of this subtitle
before the Department of Education with respect to functions of which
are transferred by section 201 but such proceedings and applications
shall be continued. Orders shall be issued in such proceedings, appeals
shall be taken therefrom, and payments shall be made pursuant to such
orders, as if this subtitle had not been enacted, and orders issued in
any such proceedings shall continue in effect until modified,
terminated, superseded, or revoked by a duly authorized individual, by
a court of competent jurisdiction, or by operation of law. Nothing in
this subsection shall be deemed to prohibit the discontinuance or
modification of any such proceeding under the same terms and conditions
and to the same extent that such proceeding could have been
discontinued or modified if this subtitle had not been enacted.
(c) Suits Not Affected.--Except as provided in subsection (e) the
provisions of this subtitle shall not affect suits commenced (with
respect to the functions transferred under section 201) prior to the
effective date of this subtitle, and in all such suits, proceedings
shall be had, appeals taken, and judgments rendered in the same manner
and effect as if this subtitle had not been enacted.
(d) Nonabatement of Actions.--No suit, action, or other proceeding
commenced by or against the Department of Education (with regard to
functions transferred under section 201), or by or against any officer
in the official capacity of such individual as an officer of the
Department of Education (with regard to functions transferred under
section 201), shall abate by reason of the enactment of this subtitle.
(e) Administrative Actions Relating to Promulgation of
Regulations.--Any administrative action relating to the preparation or
promulgation of a regulation by the Secretary of Education (with regard
to functions transferred under section 201) may be continued by the
Secretary of Labor with the same effect as if this subtitle had not
been enacted.
SEC. 208. REFERENCES.
A reference in any other Federal law, Executive order, rule,
regulation, or delegation of authority, or any document of or relating
to--
(1) the Secretary of Education (with regard to functions
transferred under section 201), shall be deemed to refer to the
Secretary of Labor; and
(2) the Department of Education or Office within the
Department (with regard to functions transferred under section
201), shall be deemed to refer to the Department of Labor.
SEC. 209. TRANSITION.
The Secretary of Labor is authorized to utilize--
(1) the services of such officers, employees, and other
personnel of the Department of Education with regard to
functions transferred under section 201; and
(2) funds appropriated to such functions,
for such period of time as may reasonably be needed to facilitate the
orderly implementation of this subtitle.
SEC. 210. UPDATING REFERENCES.
(a) WIOA.--Section 203(15) of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3272(15)) is amended by striking
``Education'' and inserting ``Labor''.
(b) Department of Education Organization Act.--
(1) Principal officers.--Section 202 of the Department of
Education Organization Act (20 U.S.C. 3412) is amended--
(A) in subsection (b)(1)(C), by striking ``Career,
Technical, and Adult Education'' and inserting ``Career
and Technical Education''; and
(B) in subsection (h), by striking ``Career,
Technical, and Adult Education'' each place it appears
and inserting ``Career and Technical Education''.
(2) Office of career and technical education.--Section 206
of the Department of Education Organization Act (20 U.S.C.
3416) is amended--
(A) in the section header, by striking ``career,
technical, and adult education'' and inserting ``career
and technical education'';
(B) in the first sentence, by striking ``Career,
Technical, and Adult Education'' and inserting ``Career
and Technical Education''; and
(C) in the second sentence, by striking ``career,
technical, and adult education'' and inserting ``career
and technical education''.
SEC. 211. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This subtitle shall take effect on the date that is 1 year after
the date of enactment of this Act.
Subtitle B--Adult Education and Family Literacy Act
SEC. 221. PURPOSES.
Section 202 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3271) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``(including digital
literacy skills and AI literacy skills)'' before ``necessary'';
(2) in paragraph (3), by striking ``secondary school
diploma'' and inserting ``regular high school diploma or its
recognized equivalent''; and
(3) in paragraph (4), by striking ``English language
learners'' and inserting ``English learners''.
SEC. 222. DEFINITIONS.
Section 203 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3272) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) by striking ``and speak'' and inserting
``listen, speak, and comprehend''; and
(ii) by striking ``secondary'' and
inserting ``regular high'';
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(C) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as
subparagraph (D); and
(D) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the
following:
``(C) develop and use digital literacy skills;
and'';
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (14), (15) (as
amended by section 210(a)), (16), and (17), as paragraphs (5)
through (16), (18), (19), and (20), respectively;
(3) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
``(3) AI literacy skills.--The term `AI literacy skills'
means a foundational set of competencies, outlined by the AI
literacy framework of the Department of Labor, that enable
individuals to use and evaluate artificial intelligence
technologies responsibly, with a primary focus on generative
artificial intelligence.
``(4) Digital literacy skills.--The term `digital literacy
skills'--
``(A) means the skills associated with using
existing and emerging technologies to find, evaluate,
organize, create, communicate information, and to
complete tasks; and
``(B) includes AI literacy skills.'';
(4) in paragraph (6)(C) (as so redesignated)--
(A) by striking clause (i) and inserting the
following:
``(i) has foundational skill needs;'';
(B) in clause (ii), by striking ``secondary'' and
inserting ``regular high''; and
(C) in clause (iii), by striking ``English language
learner'' and inserting ``English learner'';
(5) in paragraph (8) (as so redesignated)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``English
language learners'' and inserting ``English learners'';
and
(B) in subparagraph (B)(i)(I), by striking
``secondary'' and inserting ``regular high'';
(6) in paragraph (9) (as so redesignated)--
(A) in the paragraph heading, by striking
``language''; and
(B) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
striking ``English language learner'' and inserting
``English learner'';
(7) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) in paragraph
(11) (as so redesignated), by inserting ``and educational''
after ``the economic'';
(8) in paragraph (14) (as so redesignated)--
(A) by striking ``English language learners'' and
inserting ``English learners''; and
(B) by striking ``and may include workforce
training.'' and inserting the following: ``and may--
``(A) include skills development, postsecondary
preparation activities, digital literacy skills
instruction, financial literacy instruction, and
workforce training; and
``(B) be provided concurrently with other
activities and services, such as adult education.'';
(9) in paragraph (15) (as so redesignated), by striking
``and speak in English, compute, and solve problems,'' and
inserting ``speak, and comprehend in English, compute, solve
problems, and have digital literacy skills,''; and
(10) by inserting after paragraph (16) (as so redesignated)
the following:
``(17) Postsecondary preparation activities.--The term
`postsecondary preparation activities' means academic
counseling (which may be provided by a college and career
navigator) and services designed to support enrollment and
success in postsecondary education that include assisting
individuals to--
``(A) identify postsecondary educational options
that prepare individuals for unsubsidized employment;
``(B) navigate the transition from adult education
to postsecondary education;
``(C) navigate the transition from adult education
to workforce development programs and services;
``(D) coenroll in adult education and workforce
development programs, if applicable;
``(E) improve academic skills so that individuals
are prepared to participate in postsecondary education
without need for remediation; or
``(F) learn notetaking, study skills, and other
skills that promote student success in postsecondary
education.''.
SEC. 223. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 206 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3275) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 206. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title
$729,167,000 for each of the fiscal years 2027 through 2032.''.
SEC. 224. SPECIAL RULE.
Section 211 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3291) is amended--
(1) in subsection (d)(3), by striking ``secondary'' and
inserting ``regular high''; and
(2) in subsection (e)(3), by striking ``period described in
section 3(45)'' and inserting ``period described in
subparagraph (B) of the definition of `outlying area' in
section 3''.
SEC. 225. PERFORMANCE ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEM.
Section 212 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3292) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 212. PERFORMANCE ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEM.
``(a) In General.--Programs and activities authorized in this title
are subject to the performance accountability provisions described in
section 116, except that the indicator described in subsection
(b)(2)(A)(i)(VI) of such section shall be applied as if it were the
percentage of program participants who exited the program during the
program year and completed an integrated education and training
program.
``(b) Data Collection.--Notwithstanding section 134(a) of the
Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1015c(a)), the Secretary is
authorized to collect deidentified participant-level data for
participants in programs and activities funded under this title on the
information required for State performance reports as described in
section 116(d) for the sole purpose of administering the performance
accountability system under section 116.''.
SEC. 226. MATCHING REQUIREMENT.
Section 222(b) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3302(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Public availability of information on matching
funds.--Each eligible agency shall maintain, on a publicly
accessible website of such agency and in an easily accessible
format, information documenting the non-Federal contributions
made available to programs that offer adult education and
literacy activities or family literacy activities pursuant to
this subsection, including--
``(A) the sources of such contributions, except
that in the case of private contributions, names of the
individuals or entities providing such contributions
may not be disclosed; and
``(B) in the case of funds made available by a
State or outlying area, an explanation of how such
funds are distributed to eligible providers.''.
SEC. 227. STATE LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES.
Section 223(a) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3303(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking
``activities.'' and inserting ``activities and the
identification of opportunities to coordinate with
activities supported under the Carl D. Perkins Career
and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2301 et
seq.) to expand integrated education and training
programs.'';
(B) in subparagraph (C)--
(i) in clause (i), by striking ``based on
the most rigorous or scientifically valid
research available and appropriate, in reading,
writing, speaking, mathematics,'' and inserting
``based on evidence-based practices, in
reading, writing, speaking, English
comprehension, mathematics,'';
(ii) in clause (ii), by striking ``and'' at
the end;
(iii) in clause (iii), by striking the
period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(iv) by adding at the end the following:
``(iv) assistance in reporting participant
outcomes for the performance accountability
system described in section 212, including
facilitating partnerships with the appropriate
State entities to conduct matches with State
administrative data (such as wage records) to
determine program performance on the indicators
of performance described in subclauses (I)
through (III) of section 116(b)(2)(A)(i) and
which may include assistance in integrating
with statewide longitudinal data systems, and
making data available in structured, open,
linked, and interoperable formats, as
appropriate.'';
(C) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as
subparagraph (E); and
(D) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the
following:
``(D) The development, identification, acquisition,
and dissemination (which may be done in coordination
with other States) of evidence-based instructional
materials (to the extent available) that lead to
literacy, English language acquisition, a recognized
postsecondary credential, or any combination of such
results; and--
``(i) are designed to meet the needs of
adult learners, including English learners, and
may be developed for integrated education and
training in an in-demand industry sector or
occupation within the State; and
``(ii) will improve the instruction
provided pursuant to the local activities
required under section 231(b).''; and
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (E), (F), (G),
(H), (I), (J), (K), (L), and (M), as subparagraphs (F),
(G), (H), (I), (J), (K), (L), (M), and (R),
respectively;
(B) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the
following:
``(E) Developing content and models for programs
that support family literacy activities.'';
(C) in subparagraph (G) (as so redesignated), by
inserting before the period the following: ``,
including such institutions that offer an eligible
program for purposes of the Workforce Pell Grant
program under section 401(k) of the Higher Education
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a(k)), as added by section
83002(a) of Public Law 119-21'';
(D) in subparagraph (J)(i) (as so redesignated)--
(i) by striking ``mathematics, and
English'' and inserting ``mathematics,
English''; and
(ii) by striking ``acquisition;'' and
inserting ``acquisition, and digital literacy
skills;'';
(E) by striking subparagraph (K) (as so
redesignated) and inserting the following:
``(K) Developing and piloting of strategies for
improving adult educator recruitment, quality, and
retention, such as--
``(i) the provision of professional
development;
``(ii) the development and maintenance of
policies for awarding recognized postsecondary
credentials to adult educators who demonstrate
effectiveness at improving the achievement of
adult students; and
``(iii) the development and piloting of
work-based learning programs (including
apprenticeship programs) for adult
educators.'';
(F) in subparagraph (L) (as so redesignated), by
striking ``English language learners'' and inserting
``English learners'';
(G) in subparagraph (M) (as so redesignated), by
inserting ``, which may include through partnerships
with local educational agencies or public agencies to
recruit eligible individuals'' after ``employers''; and
(H) by inserting after subparagraph (M) (as so
redesignated) the following:
``(N) Performance incentive payments to eligible
providers, including incentive payments linked to
increased use of integrated education and training or
other forms of instruction linking adult education with
the development of occupational skills for an in-demand
industry sector or occupation in the State.
``(O) Strengthening the quality and effectiveness
of adult education and programs that support family
literacy activities in the State through support for
program quality standards and accreditation
requirements.
``(P) Raising public awareness (including through
public service announcements, such as social media
campaigns) about career and technical education
programs and community-based organizations, and other
endeavors focused on programs that prepare individuals
for in-demand industry sectors or occupations.
``(Q) Postsecondary preparation activities.''.
SEC. 228. PROGRAMS FOR CORRECTIONS EDUCATION AND OTHER
INSTITUTIONALIZED INDIVIDUALS.
Section 225 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3305) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``From funds'' and inserting the
following:
``(1) In general.--From funds''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Priority.--An eligible agency granting awards from
funds authorized under paragraph (1) shall give priority to an
eligible entity that proposes to operate an educational program
in a correctional institution that is also served by a program
authorized under section 172.'';
(2) in subsection (b)(3), by striking ``secondary school
credit'' and inserting ``attainment of a regular high school
diploma or its recognized equivalent'';
(3) by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections
(e) and (f), respectively;
(4) by inserting after subsection (c) the following:
``(d) Coordination.--Each eligible agency that is using assistance
provided under this section to carry out a program for criminal
offenders within a correctional institution shall--
``(1) coordinate such educational programs with career and
technical education activities provided to individuals in State
institutions from funds reserved under section 112(a)(2)(A) of
the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006
(20 U.S.C. 2322(a)(2)(A));
``(2) identify opportunities to develop integrated
education and training opportunities for such individuals;
``(3) coordinate with institutions of higher education
operating a prison education program in the State; and
``(4) if the correctional institution is also served by a
program authorized under section 172, provide a description of
how the award funds under this section will be used to carry
out the activities described in section 172, in conjunction
with the activities described in subsection (b).''; and
(5) in subsection (f) (as so redesignated), by adding at
the end the following:
``(3) Prison education program.--The term `prison education
program' has the meaning given the term in section 484 of the
Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1091).''.
SEC. 229. GRANTS AND CONTRACTS FOR ELIGIBLE PROVIDERS.
Section 231 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3321) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``From grant funds'' and inserting
the following:
``(1) In general.--From grant funds''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Prompt availability of funds.--Each eligible agency
shall ensure that funds are available for reimbursement to an
eligible provider that is awarded a multiyear grant or contract
under paragraph (1) not later than 45 days after the date on
which the multiyear grant or contract is awarded.'';
(2) in subsection (d), by striking ``section 203(4)'' and
inserting ``section 203(6)'';
(3) in subsection (e)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(B)(ii), by striking ``English
language learners'' and inserting ``English learners'';
(B) in paragraph (5)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking
``and'' at the end;
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by adding ``and''
at the end; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) uses instructional materials that are
designed to meet the needs of adult learners and
English learners and are evidence-based (to the extent
practicable), which may include, but shall not be
required to include, the instructional materials
disseminated by the State under section
223(a)(1)(D);'';
(C) in paragraph (6), by striking ``speaking,
mathematics, and English'' and inserting ``speaking and
listening, mathematics, comprehension, and English'';
and
(A) in paragraph (10), by inserting ``local
educational agencies,'' after ``strong links with'';
and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(f) Cost Analysis.--In determining the amount of funds to be
awarded in grants or contracts under this section, the eligible agency
may consider the costs of providing learning in context, including
integrated education and training and workplace adult education and
literacy activities, and the extent to which the eligible provider
intends to serve individuals using such activities, in order to align
the amount of funds awarded with such costs.''.
SEC. 230. LOCAL APPLICATION.
Section 232 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3322) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (4), by inserting ``and coordinate with
the appropriate State entity'' after ``data'';
(2) in paragraph (6), by striking ``; and'' and inserting
``, such as how the eligible provider may provide adult
education and literacy activities in a manner that is
integrated with postsecondary preparation activities to enable
students to prepare for opportunities to attain a recognized
postsecondary credential, including opportunities to earn
recognized postsecondary credentials that are stackable along a
career pathway within an in-demand industry sector or
occupation'';
(3) by redesignating paragraph (7) as paragraph (8); and
(4) by inserting after paragraph (6) the following:
``(7) a description of how the eligible provider will
provide learning in context, including through partnerships
with employers to offer workplace adult education and literacy
activities and integrated education and training; and''.
SEC. 231. LOCAL ADMINISTRATIVE COST LIMITS.
Section 233(a) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3323(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``95'' and inserting
``85''; and
(2) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
``(2) the remaining amount--
``(A) not to exceed 10 percent, may be used for
professional development for adult educators (which may
include apprenticeship programs for adult educators);
and
``(B) not to exceed 5 percent, shall be used for
planning, administration (including carrying out the
requirements of section 116), professional development
of administrative staff, and the activities described
in paragraphs (3) and (5) of section 232.''.
SEC. 232. NATIONAL LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES.
Section 242 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3332) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``116;'' and
inserting ``116, including the dissemination of
effective practices used by States to use statewide
longitudinal data systems or other sources of
administrative data to determine program performance
and reduce the data collection and reporting burden on
eligible providers;''; and
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``, including the
Institute of Education Sciences''; and
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (B), by striking
``English language learners'' and inserting
``English learners''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (C), by inserting
``skills'' after ``digital literacy''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (C)--
(I) in clause (i), by striking
``rigorous research'' and inserting
``evidence-based practices''; and
(II) in clause (vii)--
(aa) in subclause (I), by
striking ``adults with'' and
all that follows through the
semicolon and inserting
``adults with disabilities,
including adults with learning
disabilities, and with adults
who are English learners;'';
(bb) in subclause (III), by
striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(cc) in subclause (IV), by
inserting ``and'' after the
semicolon; and
(dd) by adding at the end
the following:
``(V) programs that offer family
literacy activities;'';
(ii) in subparagraph (F), by striking
``and'' after the semicolon;
(iii) by redesignating subparagraph (G) as
subparagraph (J); and
(iv) by inserting after subparagraph (F)
the following:
``(G) developing and rigorously evaluating programs
for the preparation of effective adult educators and
disseminating the results of such evaluations;
``(H) carrying out initiatives to support the
effectiveness and impact of adult education, that
States may adopt on a voluntary basis, through--
``(i) the development and dissemination of
staffing models, which may include full-time
staffing models, that prioritize demonstrated
effectiveness and continuous improvement in
supporting the learning of adult students; and
``(ii) the evaluation and improvement of
program quality standards and accreditation
requirements;
``(I) providing technical assistance to eligible
agencies regarding effective professional development
for programs that offer adult education and literacy
activities or family literacy activities; and''.
SEC. 233. INTEGRATED ENGLISH LITERACY AND CIVICS EDUCATION.
(a) In General.--Section 243(a) of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3333(a)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``From funds'' and inserting the following:
``(1) Each fiscal year.--Subject to paragraph (2), from
funds''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Certain fiscal years.--With respect to fiscal year
2027 or a succeeding fiscal year, if amounts made available
under section 211(a)(2) for such a fiscal year exceed, by at
least 1 percent, grant amounts awarded to States under this
section for fiscal year 2026, the Secretary shall, from amounts
made available under section 211(a)(2) for such fiscal year
after fiscal year 2026--
``(A) reserve 1 percent of the amounts to award
grants to outlying areas, in the manner determined
appropriate by the Secretary of Labor for such outlying
areas to carry out the activities described in
paragraph (1); and
``(B) use the amounts remaining after such
reservation to award grants to States under this
section.''.
(b) Allotment.--Section 243(b)(1) of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3333(b)(1) is amended by amending the matter
preceding subparagraph (A) as follows: ``Subject to paragraph (2), from
amounts made available under section 211(a)(2) for a fiscal year, and
after reserving amounts in accordance with subsection (a)(2), if
appropriate for such fiscal year, the Secretary shall allocate--''
(c) English Learners.--Section 243(c)(1) of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3333(c)(1)) is amended by
striking ``English language learners'' and inserting ``English
learners''.
TITLE III--AMENDMENTS TO OTHER LAWS
SEC. 301. AMENDMENTS TO THE WAGNER-PEYSER ACT.
(a) Definitions.--Section 2(5) of the Wagner-Peyser Act (29 U.S.C.
49a(5)) is amended by inserting ``the Commonwealth of the Northern
Mariana Islands, American Samoa,'' after ``Guam,''.
(b) Unemployment Compensation Law Requirement.--Section 5(b)(1) of
the Wagner-Peyser Act (29 U.S.C. 49d(b)(1)) is amended by inserting
``the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or American
Samoa,'' after ``Guam,''.
(c) Allotments.--Section 6 of the Wagner-Peyser Act (29 U.S.C. 49e)
is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``except for Guam'' and inserting
``except for Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern
Mariana Islands, and American Samoa'';
(B) by striking ``first allot to Guam and the
Virgin Islands'' and inserting the following: ``first
allot--
``(1) to Guam and the Virgin Islands'';
(C) by striking the period at the end and inserting
``; and''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) beginning with the first fiscal year for which the
total amount available for allotments under this section is
greater than the total amount available for allotments under
this section for fiscal year 2024, and for each succeeding
fiscal year, to each of the Commonwealth of the Northern
Mariana Islands and American Samoa, an amount which is equal to
one-half of the amount allotted to Guam under paragraph (1) for
the corresponding fiscal year.''; and
(2) in subsection (b)(1), in the matter following
subparagraph (B), by inserting ``, the Commonwealth of the
Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa,'' after ``Guam''.
(d) Use of Funds.--Section 7 of the Wagner-Peyser Act (29 U.S.C.
49f) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and referral to
employers'' and inserting ``referral to employers, and
the services described in section 134(c)(2)(A)(ii) of
the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C.
3174(c)(2)(A)(ii)) when provided by the employment
service office colocated with the one-stop delivery
system'';
(B) in paragraph (3)--
(i) in subparagraph (F), by striking the
``and'' at the end;
(ii) by moving subparagraph (G) for ems to
the right;
(iii) in subparagraph (G), by striking the
period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(iv) by adding at the end the following:
``(H) establishing a talent marketplace (as defined
in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102)).''; and
(2) in subsection (e), by inserting before the period at
the end the following: ``and in accordance with the
requirements of section 134(c)(2)(A)(i)(I) of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C.
3174(c)(2)(A)(i)(I))''.
(e) Workforce and Labor Market Information System.--Section 15 of
the Wagner-Peyser Act (29 U.S.C. 49l-2) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by
striking ``timely manner'' and inserting
``manner that is as close to real-time as
practicable'';
(ii) in clause (i), by striking ``part-
time, and seasonal workers'' and inserting
``part-time, contingent, and seasonal workers,
and workers engaged in alternative employment
arrangements'';
(iii) by redesignating clauses (iii) and
(iv) as clauses (iv) and (v), respectively; and
(iv) by inserting after clause (ii), the
following:
``(iii) real-time trends in new and
emerging occupational roles, and in new and
emerging skills by occupation and industry,
with particular attention paid to State and
local conditions;'';
(B) in subparagraph (B)(i), by inserting
``(including, to the extent practicable, real-time)''
after ``current''; and
(C) in subparagraph (G), by striking ``user-
friendly manner and'' and inserting ``manner that makes
the data, information, and analysis available on-demand
and is user-friendly,'';
(2) in subsection (b)(2)(F)--
(A) in clause (i), by striking ``; and'' and
inserting ``(including, to the extent practicable,
provided in real-time);'';
(B) by redesignating clause (ii) as clause (iii);
and
(C) by inserting after clause (i), as so amended,
the following:
``(ii) the capabilities of digital
technology and modern data collection
approaches are effectively utilized; and'';
(3) in subsection (e)(2)(H), by striking ``section
116(i)(2) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act'' and
inserting ``section 116(j)(2) of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act''; and
(4) by amending subsection (g) to read as follows:
``(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $52,892,000 for each of the
fiscal years 2027 through 2032.''.
SEC. 302. JOB TRAINING GRANTS.
Section 414(c) of the American Competitiveness and Workforce
Improvement Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 3224a) is amended to read as
follows:
``(c) Job Training Grants.--
``(1) Allotment.--
``(A) In general.--Of the funds available under
section 286(s)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality
Act (8 U.S.C. 1356(s)(2)), the Secretary of Labor
shall, for each fiscal year--
``(i) return permanently 12 percent of such
amounts in each fiscal year to the general fund
of the Treasury;
``(ii) use $65,000,000 of such funds to
carry out the program established under section
173 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity
Act; and
``(iii) using the funds remaining after
carrying out clauses (i) and (ii), make
allotments to each State that receives an
allotment under section 132(b) of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C.
3172(b)) for the purpose of providing training
services through individual training accounts
for eligible dislocated workers as described in
paragraph (2)(A).
``(B) Reservation; allotment among states.--
``(i) Reservation.--From the amount made
available under subparagraph (A)(iii) for a
fiscal year, the Secretary shall reserve not
more than \1/4\ of 1 percent of such amount to
provide assistance to the outlying areas for
the purpose described in paragraph (2)(A).
``(ii) Allotment among states.--Subject to
clause (iii) of this subparagraph, the
Secretary shall use the remainder of the amount
made available under subparagraph (A)(iii) (in
this subparagraph referred to as the `remainder
amount') for a fiscal year to make allotments
to States described in subparagraph (A)(iii) on
the following basis:
``(I) 33 and \1/3\ percent shall be
allotted on the basis of the relative
number of unemployed individuals in
each such State, compared to the total
number of unemployed individuals in all
such States.
``(II) 33 and \1/3\ percent shall
be allotted on the basis of the
relative number of disadvantaged adults
in each such State, compared to the
total number of disadvantaged adults in
all such States.
``(III) 33 and \1/3\ percent shall
be allotted on the basis of the
relative number of individuals in the
civilian labor force in each such
State, compared to the total number in
the civilian labor force in all such
States.
``(iii) Small state minimum.--The Secretary
shall ensure that no State shall receive an
allotment under this subparagraph for a fiscal
year that is less than--
``(I) in the case of a fiscal year
for which the remainder amount is not
more than $180,000,000, \3/10\ of 1
percent of such remainder amount; and
``(II) in the case of a fiscal year
for which the remainder amount exceeds
$180,000,000, the total of--
``(aa) \3/10\ of 1 percent
of $180,000,000; and
``(bb) \2/5\ of 1 percent
of such excess amount.
``(iv) Disadvantaged adult defined.--For
purposes of this subparagraph and subparagraph
(C), the term `disadvantaged adult' has the
meaning given such term in section
132(b)(1)(B)(v)(IV) of the Workforce Innovation
and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C.
3172(b)(1)(B)(v)(IV)).
``(v) Reallotment.--
``(I) In general.--The Secretary of
Labor shall, in accordance with this
clause, reallot to eligible States
amounts that are made available to
States from allotments made under this
subparagraph (referred to individually
in this subsection as a `State
allotment') and that are available for
reallotment.
``(II) Amount.--The amount
available for reallotment for a program
year is equal to the amount by which
the unobligated balance of the State
allotment, at the end of the program
year prior to the program year for
which the determination under this
subclause is made, exceeds 20 percent
of such allotment for the prior program
year.
``(III) Reallotment.--In making
reallotments to eligible States of
amounts available pursuant to subclause
(II) for a program year, the Secretary
shall allot to each eligible State an
amount based on the relative amount of
the State allotment for the program
year for which the determination is
made, as compared to the total amount
of the State allotments for all
eligible States for such program year.
``(IV) Eligibility.--For purposes
of this subsection, an `eligible State'
means a State that does not have an
amount available for reallotment under
subclause (II) for the program year for
which the determination under subclause
(II) is made.
``(C) Within state allocations.--
``(i) In general.--The Governor shall
allocate the funds allotted to the State under
subparagraph (B) for a fiscal year to the local
areas in the State on the following basis:
``(I) 33 and \1/3\ percent of the
funds on the basis described in
subparagraph (B)(ii)(I).
``(II) 33 and \1/3\ percent of the
funds on the basis described in
subparagraph (B)(ii)(II).
``(III) 33 and \1/3\ percent of the
funds on the basis described in
subparagraph (B)(ii)(III).
``(ii) Application.--For purposes of
carrying out clause (i)--
``(I) references in subparagraph
(B)(ii) to a State shall be deemed to
be references to a local area; and
``(II) references in subparagraph
(B)(ii) to all States shall be deemed
to be references to all local areas in
the State involved.
``(iii) Reallocation among local areas.--
``(I) In general.--The Governor
may, in accordance with this clause and
after consultation with the State
board, reallocate to eligible local
areas within the State amounts that are
made available to local areas from
allocations made under this
subparagraph (referred to individually
in this subsection as a `local
allocation') and that are available for
reallocation.
``(II) Amount.--The amount
available for reallocation for a
program year is equal to the amount by
which the unobligated balance of the
local allocation, at the end of the
program year prior to the program year
for which the determination under this
subclause is made, exceeds 20 percent
of such allocation for the prior
program year.
``(III) Reallocation.--In making
reallocations to eligible local areas
of amounts available pursuant to
subclause (II) for a program year, the
Governor shall allocate to each
eligible local area within the State an
amount based on the relative amount of
the local allocation for the program
year for which the determination is
made, as compared to the total amount
of the local allocations for all
eligible local areas in the State for
such program year.
``(IV) Eligibility.--For purposes
of this subsection, an eligible local
area means a local area that does not
have an amount available for
reallotment under subclause (II) for
the program year for which the
determination under subclause (II) is
made.
``(2) Use of funds.--
``(A) In general.--Funds allocated pursuant to
paragraph (1) to a local area shall be used to pay,
through the use of an individual training account in
accordance with section 134(c)(3)(F)(iii) of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C.
3174(c)(3)(F)(iii)), an eligible provider of training
services from the list of eligible providers of
training services described in section 122(d) of such
Act (29 U.S.C. 3152(d)) for training services provided
to eligible dislocated workers in the local area.
``(B) Requirements for local areas.--As a condition
of receipt of funds under paragraph (1), a local area
shall agree to each of the following:
``(i) Required notice to workers.--Prior to
an eligible dislocated worker selecting a
program of training services from the list of
eligible providers of training services under
section 122(d) of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3152(d)), the local
area shall inform such dislocated worker of any
opportunities the dislocated worker may have to
participate in on-the-job training or employer-
directed skills development funded through such
local area.
``(ii) Amounts available.--Except as
provided in clause (iv)(II), a local area--
``(I) may not limit the maximum
amount available for an individual
training account for an eligible
dislocated worker under subparagraph
(A) to an amount that is less than
$5,000; and
``(II) may not pay an amount,
through the use of an individual
training account under subparagraph
(A), for training services provided to
an eligible dislocated worker that
exceeds the costs of such services.
``(iii) WIOA funds.--A local area may not
use funds made available to the local area for
a fiscal year pursuant to section 134(c)(1)(B)
of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
(29 U.S.C. 3174(c)(1)(B)) to make payments
under subparagraph (A) until the funds
allocated to the local area pursuant to
paragraph (1) of this subsection for such
fiscal year have been exhausted.
``(iv) Exhaustion of allocations.--Upon the
exhaustion of the funds allocated to the local
area pursuant to paragraph (1) of this
subsection, for the purpose of paying, through
the use of individual training accounts under
subparagraph (A), the costs of training
services for eligible dislocated workers in the
local area seeking such services, the local
area--
``(I) shall use any funds made
available to the local area pursuant to
section 134(c)(1)(B) of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3174(c)(1)(B)) to pay for such
costs under subparagraph (A) (other
than any costs that exceed the limit
set by the local area pursuant to
clause (ii) or subclause (II)); and
``(II) for any eligible dislocated
worker who is not a low-income
individual, may limit the maximum
amount available for the individual
training account under subparagraph (A)
for such worker to an amount that is
less than $5,000.
``(3) Eligible dislocated worker.--A dislocated worker
shall be an eligible dislocated worker for purposes of this
subsection if the dislocated worker--
``(A) meets the requirements under section
134(c)(3)(A)(i) of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3174(c)(3)(A)(i)) to be
eligible for training services; and
``(B) has not received training services through an
individual training account under this subsection or
under section 134(c)(3)(F)(iii) of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C.
3174(c)(3)(F)(iii)) during the preceding 5-year period
or, if such a worker has received such training
services during such period, the worker has been
granted an exception by the local area due to an
exceptional circumstance, as determined by the local
area.
``(4) Excess demand.--Upon the exhaustion of the funds
allocated to a local area pursuant to paragraph (1) of this
subsection and any funds that may be available to such local
area pursuant to section 134(c)(1)(B) of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3174(c)(1)(B)) for
the purpose described in paragraph (2)(A) of this subsection,
the local area--
``(A) may request additional funds for such purpose
from the Governor under section 134(a)(2)(A)(i)(III) of
the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C.
3174(a)(2)(A)(i)(III)); and
``(B) shall not be required to pay for training
services or establish an individual training account
for an eligible dislocated worker.
``(5) Definitions.--Except as otherwise specified, a term
used in this subsection shall have the meaning given such term
in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
(29 U.S.C. 3102).
``(6) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection
shall be construed to provide an individual with an entitlement
to a service under this subsection or under title I of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3111 et
seq.) or to mandate a State or local area to provide a service
if Federal funds are not available for such service.''.
SEC. 303. ACCESS TO NATIONAL DIRECTORY OF NEW HIRES.
Section 453(j)(8) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 653(j)(8))
is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A)--
(A) by inserting ``or conducting the reporting and
evaluation activities required under section 116 of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C.
3141)'' after ``State law''; and
(B) by striking ``such program'' and inserting
``such programs''; and
(2) in subparagraph (C)(i), by striking ``purposes of
administering a program referred to'' and inserting ``the
purposes specified''.
SEC. 304. REFERENCES TO OTHER LAWS.
(a) References to Provisions of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act.--
(1) Section 8041(g)(2)(C) of the SUPPORT for Patients and
Communities Act (29 U.S.C. 3225a(g)(2)(C)) is amended by
striking ``section 172(f) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 3227(f))'' and
inserting ``section 175(h) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 3227(h))''.
(2) Section 60302(23) of the Digital Equity Act of 2021 (47
U.S.C. 1721(23)) is amended by striking ``section 3(66) of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102(66))''
and inserting ``section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102)''.
(b) Related Provisions.--
(1) Section 286(s)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality
Act (8 U.S.C. 1356(s)(2)) is amended by striking
``demonstration programs and projects'' and inserting ``the
programs, activities, and uses''.
(2) Section 1154 of title 10, United States Code, is
amended--
(A) in paragraphs (2)(C) and (3)(D) of subsection
(a), by striking ``Job Corps center as defined'' and
inserting ``Job Corps campus as described'';
(B) in subsection (d)(4)(A)(ii), by striking ``Job
Corps centers'' and inserting ``Job Corps campuses'';
and
(C) in subsection (e)(2)(E), by striking ``Job
Corps center'' and inserting ``Job Corps campus''.
TITLE IV--DEPARTMENT OF LABOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
SEC. 401. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR TRANSFORMING TO COMPETITIVE
INTEGRATED EMPLOYMENT.
(a) In General.--From the amounts appropriated under subsection
(c), the Secretary (acting through the Office of Disability Employment
Policy in partnership with the Employment and Training Administration),
in partnership with the Administration for Community Living of the
Department of Health and Human Services and the Office of Special
Education and Rehabilitative Services of the Department of Education,
shall establish a Center for Technical Assistance for Transforming to
Competitive Integrated Employment to--
(1) provide technical assistance to employers who are
transitioning from employing individuals with disabilities
using special certificates on such transition, which shall
include technical assistance on providing services that result
in competitive integrated employment;
(2) provide technical assistance to State agencies seeking
to support such employers described in paragraph (1) on such
transition described in paragraph (1) on coordination and
alignment of services and funding in support of such
transition, including technical assistance on how such services
and funding can result in competitive integrated employment;
(3) in providing the technical assistance describing in
paragraphs (1) and (2), coordinate such technical assistance
with education materials and opportunities made available
through existing technical assistance provided by--
(A) the Office of Disability Employment Policy;
(B) the Employment and Training Administration;
(C) the Administration for Community Living of the
Department of Health and Human Services; and
(D) the Office of Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services of the Department of Education;
and
(4) in providing the technical assistance described in
paragraphs (1) and (2), make use of technical assistance that
is in existence on the date of enactment of this Act, including
the CIE Transformation Hub, the Advancing State Policy
Integration for Recovery and Employment Initiative, and the
National Expansion of Employment Opportunities Network.
(b) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Competitive integrated employment.--The term
``competitive integrated employment'' has the meaning given the
term in section 7(5) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29
U.S.C. 705(5)).
(2) Disability.--The term ``disability'' includes any
intellectual, developmental, mental health, or other
disability.
(3) Individuals with disabilities.--The term ``individuals
with disabilities'' means individuals described in section
14(c)(1) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C.
214(c)(1)).
(4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Labor.
(5) Special certificate.--The term ``special certificate''
means a special certificate issued under section 14(c) of the
Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 214(c)).
(6) State.--The term ``State'' means each of the 50 States,
the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and
the territory of Guam.
TITLE V--GENERAL PROVISIONS
SEC. 501. REPORT ON DATA CAPABILITY AND INTEROPERABILITY OF FEDERAL AND
STATE DATABASES AND DATA EXCHANGE AGREEMENTS.
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3101 et
seq.) is amended by striking section 505 and inserting the following:
``SEC. 505. REPORT ON DATA CAPABILITY AND INTEROPERABILITY OF FEDERAL
AND STATE DATABASES AND DATA EXCHANGE AGREEMENTS.
``(a) In General.--The Comptroller General of the United States
shall prepare and submit an interim report and a final report to
Congress regarding existing Federal and State databases and data
exchange agreements, as of the date of the report, and the
interoperability of data in such databases and agreements, that contain
job training information relevant to the administration of programs
authorized under this Act (as amended by the A Stronger Workforce for
America Act of 2026) and the amendments made by this Act (as so
amended).
``(b) Requirements.--The report required under subsection (a)
shall--
``(1) list existing Federal and State databases and data
exchange agreements described in subsection (a) and, for each,
describe--
``(A) the purposes of the database or agreement;
``(B) the data elements, such as wage and
employment outcomes, contained in the database or
accessible under the agreement;
``(C) the data elements described in subparagraph
(B) that are shared between States;
``(D) the Federal and State workforce training
programs from which each Federal and State database
derives the data elements described in subparagraph
(B);
``(E) the number and type of common data elements
across such databases and data exchange agreements;
``(F) the number and type of Federal and State
agencies having access to such data;
``(G) the number and type of private research
organizations having access to, through grants,
contracts, or other agreements, such data;
``(H) whether the database or data exchange
agreement provides for opt-out procedures for
individuals whose data is shared through the database
or data exchange agreement; and
``(I) the volume of data being shared and applied
to improve performance accountability and effectiveness
of programs under this Act;
``(2) study the effects that access by State workforce
agencies and the Secretary of Labor to the databases and data
exchange agreements described in subsection (a) would have on
efforts to carry out this Act and the amendments made by this
Act, and on individual privacy;
``(3) explore opportunities to enhance--
``(A) the quality, reliability, timeliness, and
reporting frequency of the data included in such
databases and data exchange agreements; and
``(B) the commonality and interoperability of data
elements included in such databases and data exchange
agreements;
``(4) describe, for each database or data exchange
agreement considered by the study described in subsection (a),
the number of individuals whose data is contained in each
database or accessible through the data agreement, and the
specific data elements contained in each that could be used to
personally identify an individual;
``(5) include the number of data breaches having occurred
since 2014 to data systems administered by Federal and State
agencies;
``(6) include the number of data breaches regarding any
type of personal data having occurred since 2014 to private
research organizations with whom Federal and State agencies
contract for studies;
``(7) include a survey of the security protocols used for
protecting personal data, including best practices shared
amongst States for access to, and administration of, data
elements stored and recommendations for improving security
protocols for the safe warehousing of data elements;
``(8) include an evaluation of the State wage interchange
system developed by the Department of Labor and report on the
effectiveness of the system in facilitating data exchange
between State agencies for the purpose of assessing and
reporting on State and local performance for the programs
authorized under this Act;
``(9) include an assessment of the feasibility, costs, and
potential impacts of establishing federally-designated,
transparent, interoperable, and nonproprietary data exchange
standards using human readable and machine actionable data
formats for necessary categories of information that a State
agency operating a program under this Act may receive through
each database or data exchange agreement described in
subsection (a);
``(10) include a survey of--
``(A) customer service and outcome management
systems utilized by States for programs under each
title of this Act;
``(B) the level of interoperability (if any) of
such systems;
``(C) whether any State has successfully connected
such a system serving a program under a title of this
Act with such a system serving a program under another
title of this Act; and
``(D) the benefits achieved through any such
connection; and
``(11) describe the most significant developments and
advancements pertaining to Federal and State databases and data
exchange agreements described in subsection (a) since the final
report was submitted by the Comptroller General to Congress
under this section, as in effect on the day before the date of
enactment of the A Stronger Workforce for America Act of 2026.
``(c) Timing of Reports.--
``(1) Interim report.--Not later than 18 months after the
date of enactment of the A Stronger Workforce for America Act
of 2026, the Comptroller General shall prepare and submit to
Congress an interim report regarding the initial findings of
the report required under this section.
``(2) Final report.--Not later than 2 years after the date
of enactment of the A Stronger Workforce for America Act of
2026, the Comptroller General shall prepare and submit to
Congress the final report required under this section.''.
SEC. 502. EFFECTIVE DATES; TRANSITION AUTHORITY.
(a) Effective Dates.--
(1) In general.--This Act, and the amendments made by this
Act, shall take effect on the first day of the first full
program year after the date of enactment of this Act, except as
otherwise provided in this Act.
(2) Performance accountability system.--The amendments made
to section 116 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
(29 U.S.C. 3141) by this Act shall take effect on the first day
of the second full program year after the date of enactment of
this Act, except that--
(A) the amendments to clauses (iii) through (v) of
subsection (b)(3)(A) of that section 116 shall take
effect on January 1, 2027; and
(B) the amendment to paragraph (1) of subsection
(d) of that section 116, the amendments to subsections
(i) and (j) of that section 116 that are made by
section 119(g) of this Act, and the amendment to
subsection (k) of that section 116, shall take effect
on the day that is 1 year after the date of enactment
of this Act.
(3) One-stop delivery system.--The amendments made to
section 121 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3151) by this Act shall take effect on the first day of
the second full program year after the date of enactment of
this Act.
(4) Youth workforce investment activities.--The amendments
made to section 129 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity
Act (29 U.S.C. 3164) by this Act shall take effect on the first
day of the second full program year after the date of enactment
of this Act.
(5) Adult and dislocated worker activities.--The amendments
made to section 134 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity
Act (29 U.S.C. 3174) by this Act shall take effect on the first
day of the second full program year after the date of enactment
of this Act.
(6) Job corps management information requirements.--The
amendments made to section 159 of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3209) by this Act shall take effect
on the first day of the second full program year after the date
of enactment of this Act.
(b) Transition Authority.--
(1) In general.--Pursuant to section 503(a) of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3343(a)),
the Secretary of Labor shall, effective on the date of
enactment of this Act, have the authority to take such steps as
are necessary to provide for the orderly implementation of the
amendments to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3101 et seq.) by this Act, including addressing cross
references to provisions specified in subparagraphs (A) and (B)
of subsection (a)(2).
(2) Termination.--The authority described in paragraph (1)
shall terminate on the first day of the second full program
year after the date of enactment of this Act.
(c) Transition Period for Implementation.--
(1) Eligible providers of training services.--Each Governor
and local board shall implement the requirements of section 122
of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C.
3152), as amended by this Act, not later than the first day of
the second full program year after the date of enactment of
this Act. In order to facilitate early implementation of that
section 122, the Governor may establish transition procedures
under which eligible providers of training services under
chapter 1 of subtitle B of title I of the Workforce Innovation
and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3151 et seq.), as such chapter
was in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this
Act, may continue to be eligible to provide such services until
December 31, 2027, or until such earlier date as the Governor
determines to be appropriate.
(2) State plans and local plans.--
(A) Modification of plans.--Not later than the
first day of the second full program year after the
date of enactment of this Act--
(i) each Governor of a State shall submit
to the Secretary of Labor any modifications to
the State plan in effect for such State that
are necessary for the State plan to comply with
the amendments made by this Act to section 102
of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
(29 U.S.C. 3112); and
(ii) each local board shall submit to the
Governor of a State any modifications to the
local plan in effect for the local area served
by the local board that are necessary for the
local plan to comply with the amendments made
by this Act to section 108 of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C.
3123).
(B) New plans.--Not later than the first day of the
fourth full program year after the date of enactment of
this Act--
(i) each Governor of a State shall submit
to the Secretary of Labor a new State plan for
such State that complies with the requirements
of section 102 of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3112), as amended by
this Act; and
(ii) each local board shall submit to the
Governor of a State a new local plan for the
local area served by the local board that
complies with the requirements of section 108
of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
(29 U.S.C. 3123), as amended by this Act.
(3) Definitions.--In this subsection, the terms ``local
board'', ``local plan'', ``State'', ``State plan'', and
``training services'' have the meanings given the terms in
section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3102).
(d) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Repeal.--Subsections (a) through (e) of section 503 of
the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3343)
are repealed.
(2) Regulations.--Section 503 of such Act is amended--
(A) by redesignating subsections (f) and (g) as
subsections (a) and (b), respectively;
(B) by amending subsection (a), as so redesignated,
to read as follows:
``(a) Regulations.--
``(1) Proposed regulations.--Not later than 180 days after
the date of enactment of the A Stronger Workforce for America
Act of 2026, the Secretary shall develop and publish in the
Federal Register proposed regulations relating to the
transition to, and implementation of, the A Stronger Workforce
for America Act of 2026, including the amendments to this Act
made by the A Stronger Workforce for America Act of 2026.
``(2) Final regulations.--Not later than 12 months after
the date of enactment of the A Stronger Workforce for America
Act of 2026, the Secretary shall develop and publish in the
Federal Register final regulations relating to the transition
to, and implementation of, the A Stronger Workforce for America
Act of 2026, including the amendments to this Act made by the A
Stronger Workforce for America Act of 2026.''; and
(C) in subsection (b), as so redesignated, by
striking ``subsection (f)'' and inserting ``subsection
(a)''.
(3) Effective date.--The amendments made by this subsection
shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act.
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