HB5385 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB102 25091 KTG 34351 b

102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2021 and 2022
HB5385

Introduced 1/31/2022, by Rep. Dave Vella

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

20 ILCS 2805/16 new

Amends the Department of Veterans' Affairs Act. Requires the Department of Veterans' Affairs to contract with a non-profit organization to serve as the State's principal assistance organization under the United States Department of Defense's SkillBridge program for employers and transitioning service members. Provides that the selected non-profit organization must demonstrate a commitment to assisting service members as they transition from military to civilian life. Provides that as the State's principal assistance organization under the United States Department of Defense's SkillBridge program for qualified businesses in this State and for transitioning service members who reside in, or who wish to reside in, this State, the organization shall: (1) establish and maintain, as applicable, its certification for the SkillBridge program or any other similar workforce training and transition programs established by the United States Department of Defense; (2) educate businesses, business associations, and transitioning service members regarding the SkillBridge program and its benefits, and educate military command and personnel within the State on the opportunities available to transitioning service members through the SkillBridge program; (3) assist businesses in obtaining approval for skilled workforce training curricula under the SkillBridge program, including, but not limited to, apprenticeships, internships, or fellowships; and (4) match transitioning service members who are deemed eligible for SkillBridge participation by their military command with training opportunities offered by the organization or participating businesses, with the intent of having transitioning service members achieve gainful employment in this State upon completion of their SkillBridge training. Permits the Department to adopt rules.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning State government.

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

Section 5. The Department of Veterans' Affairs Act is amended by adding Section 16 as follows:

(20 ILCS 2805/16 new)

Sec. 16. SkillBridge program. The Department shall contract with a non-profit organization to serve as the State's principal assistance organization under the United States Department of Defense's SkillBridge program for employers and transitioning service members. The selected non-profit organization must demonstrate a commitment to assisting service members as they transition from military to civilian life. As the State's principal assistance organization under the United States Department of Defense's SkillBridge program for qualified businesses in this State and for transitioning service members who reside in, or who wish to reside in, this State, the organization shall:

(1) establish and maintain, as applicable, its certification for the SkillBridge program or any other similar workforce training and transition programs established by the United States Department of Defense;

(2) educate businesses, business associations, and transitioning service members regarding the SkillBridge program and its benefits, and educate military command and personnel within the State on the opportunities available to transitioning service members through the SkillBridge program;

(3) assist businesses in obtaining approval for skilled workforce training curricula under the SkillBridge program, including, but not limited to, apprenticeships, internships, or fellowships; and

(4) match transitioning service members who are deemed eligible for SkillBridge participation by their military command with training opportunities offered by the organization or participating businesses, with the intent of having transitioning service members achieve gainful employment in this State upon completion of their SkillBridge training.

The Department may adopt any rules necessary to implement this Section.