HB5225 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB102 25500 SPS 34788 b

102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2021 and 2022
HB5225

Introduced 1/31/2022, by Rep. Sonya M. Harper

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

New Act

Creates the Apprentice Assistance and Support Services Pilot Program Act. Provides that the Department of Labor shall develop a 5 year Apprentice Assistance and Support Services Pilot Program. Specifies that the Pilot Program shall provide transportation assistance and a child care subsidy to eligible individuals participating in a qualified apprenticeship. Provides that no later than January 1, 2028, the Department shall submit to the Governor and the General Assembly a report that evaluates the results of the Pilot Program and its effectiveness in assisting Program participants in entering the workforce or in obtaining better employment. Provides for the adoption of rules. Repeals Act on January 1, 2029.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning employment.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 1. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Apprentice Assistance and Support Services Pilot Program Act.

Section 5. Purpose. The purpose of the Apprentice Assistance and Support Services Pilot Program is to address significant barriers to individuals participating in apprenticeships, including lack of affordable and reliable transportation and lack of affordable, high-quality childcare, by providing subsidies to eligible individuals participating in apprenticeships.

Section 10. Apprentice Assistance and Support Services Pilot Program.

(a) The Department of Labor shall develop a 5 year Apprentice Assistance and Support Services Pilot Program. To be eligible for the Pilot Program, an individual is required to participate in an apprenticeship program accredited and approved by the United States Department of Labor.

(b) The assistance provided by the Pilot Program shall be as follows:

(1) Transportation assistance. Subject to appropriation, if an individual travels 5 miles or more to a job site for work or to a classroom for apprenticeship training, the individual is eligible to receive mileage reimbursement at 50% of the current federal rate, or reimbursement of documented expenditures on public transportation, up to $500 per individual per year.

(2) Child care subsidy. Subject to appropriation, if an individual participating in the Pilot Program enters into a qualified apprenticeship in accordance with subsection (a), the individual shall be eligible for a child care subsidy. In order for an individual to be eligible for a child care subsidy, the child must be entered into a child care program licensed by the State. The subsidy provided shall be as follows:

(A) up to $10,000 for child care paid during the first year following the individual's date of apprentice registration and dispatch;

(B) up to $7,500 for child care paid during the second year following the individual's date of apprentice registration and dispatch; and

(C) up to $5,000 for child care paid during the third year following the individual's date of apprentice registration and dispatch.

(c) To receive transportation assistance in accordance with paragraph (1) of subsection (b), an individual shall apply to the Department of Labor for reimbursement for travel expenses related to the individual's apprenticeship. As part of the individual's application, the individual is required to provide documentation that the apprenticeship in which the individual is participating is accredited and approved by the United States Department of Labor.

(d) To receive a child care subsidy in accordance with paragraph (2) of subsection (b), an individual shall apply to the Department of Labor for child care costs incurred as a result of the individual's commitment to the apprenticeship. As part of the individual's application, the individual is required to provide documentation that the apprenticeship in which the individual is participating is accredited and approved by the United States Department of Labor. An individual shall also provide documentation of the costs of child care, which shall include documentation that the child care is utilized during the days and times in which the individual is participating in the apprenticeship.

(e) In determinations of which eligible apprentices are to receive assistance under the Pilot Program, priority shall be given to apprentices who:

(1) belong to a group that, based on their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or age, is underrepresented in the career field of the apprenticeship;

(2) are displaced workers;

(3) were previously incarcerated, or

(4) are veterans.

Section 15. Report. No later than January 1, 2028, the Department of Labor shall submit to the Governor and the General Assembly a report that evaluates the results of the Pilot Program and its effectiveness in assisting Program participants in entering the workforce or in obtaining better employment. The report shall include a recommendation regarding whether to renew the Pilot Program, and if renewal is recommended, if the Pilot Program should be expanded or otherwise enhanced.

Section 20. Rules. The Department shall adopt all rules necessary for the implementation of the Program created under this Act.

Section 25. Repeal. This Act is repealed on January 1, 2029.