HB 66 (Byron) establishes a program that would award grants to certain individuals who complete eight hours of community service and who subsequently complete a noncredit workforce training program and earn the related credential in a high-demand field. The grant, in an aggregate amount of $2,000, would be limited to payment of tuition charged for the training program, the cost of any required textbooks, and the cost of any examination required to earn the credential. VACo supported this measure.
Also, SB 336 (Miller) and HB 895 (Greason) are companion bills that require the Board of Education, in establishing high school graduation requirements, to include components relating to career and technical training. SB 336 unanimously passed in the Senate. HB 895 is pending a vote by the full House where passage appears likely. VACo supported these measures.
VACo Contact: Larry Land, CAE