Kemp Signs Legislation Designed to Strengthen Georgia’s Workforce

Today, Governor Brian P. Kemp signed four bills designed to strengthen and enhance Georgia’s robust workforce.

The legislation includes HB 1435, which provides needs-based financial aid to eligible higher education students who experience a “gap” in their tuition funding; SB 397, which recognizes all other state approved high school equivalency programs in Georgia and extends a voucher to cover all associated test fees; HB 1331, which streamlines employment services funded by Title III of the Federal Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act to remove duplication and better assist unemployed Georgians in finding a job or starting a new career; and SB 379, which enables the Technical College System of Georgia to create and expand a registered employee apprenticeship program.

“As Georgia continues to lead in the Great Recovery, we should not rest on our laurels,” said Governor Kemp. “With an eye toward the future, I am proud to sign these bills into law so that we can continue to grow and strengthen our already great workforce. Job creators tell us all the time they come to the Peach State because they know we have the skilled workers who can get the job done. All four of these bills will help us grow that reputation even more.

“As I sign HB 1435, I especially want to thank Chairman Chuck Martin of the Higher Education Committee for all his hard work, both before and during the legislative session, to bring this bill to life. This marks the first needs-based education grant of its kind in Georgia, and Chairman Martin deserves a great deal of credit for making a higher education degree just that much more affordable and attainable here in our state. Speaker Pro Tem Jan Jones has also been instrumental in efforts to strengthen our higher education system and a valued partner throughout the legislative session.

“I also want to thank Senators Russ Goodman and Lindsey Tippins, Representative Steven Meeks, and the numerous sponsors who worked on SB 397. By implementing this commonsense policy, we’re further removing barriers to education and better opportunities outside of the classroom for hardworking Georgians.

“Representative Steven Meeks, Senator Russ Goodman, and the other sponsors of HB 1331 also deserve our appreciation for streamlining state government and helping Georgians in search of a job by getting HB 1331 across the finish line. I will always be for making government more efficient, and for making it easier for all Georgians to find opportunity.

“Last, but not least, I want to thank Senator Brian Strickland, his many fellow sponsors of SB 379 in the Senate, and Chairman Chuck Martin for their efforts. We learn best by doing, and for many professions, the best classroom is the work place. By creating apprenticeship opportunities, more Georgians will be able to enter the workforce prepared for success.”

First Reader Summary HB 1435: A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Subpart 2A of Part 3 of Article 7 of Chapter 3 of Title 20 of the O.C.G.A., relating to the needs based financial aid program, so as to include eligibility for students with a financial aid gap; to provide for evaluation; to provide for related matters; to provide for automatic repeal; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Read more on HB 1435 HERE.

First Reader Summary SB 397: A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Titles 15, 20, 25, 40, 42, and 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to courts, education, fire protection and safety, motor vehicles and traffic, penal institutions, and professions and businesses, respectively, so as to update and replace terminology related to general educational development (GED) diplomas; to provide for state approved high school equivalency (HSE) diplomas; to update the minimum standards and requirements for such diplomas to be established by the Technical College System of Georgia; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Read more on SB 397 HERE.

First Reader Summary HB 1331: A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Title 34 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to labor and industrial relations, so as to change certain provisions relating to the State Employment Service and the Employment Security Administration Fund; to provide for a definition; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Read more on HB 1331 HERE.

First Reader Summary HB 379: A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 4 of Title 20 of the O.C.G.A., relating to vocational, technical, and adult education, so as to provide for the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia to establish a program to promote the creation and expansion of registered apprenticeship programs in the state; to authorize the acceptance of grants and other funds; to provide for definitions; to provide for rules and regulations; to provide for a repealer; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Read more on HB 379 HERE.