2022 legislative review
and completion
• Expand the use of integrated workbased learning models
• Include local funds .
A skilled and trained workforce is necessary for our economy to grow . Expanding opportunities for education beyond high school is critical for Washington state industry and workers . The bill passed the House 77-19 and the Senate 49-0 .
HB 1592 concerning military spouse employment
Failed / AWB Supported
Sponsored by Rep . Mari Leavitt , D-University Place , HB 1592 would have established a process for expedited professional licenses for military spouses . It would have modified the existing requirement for licensing authorities to issue a regular or temporary professional license to a qualifying military spouse to require the license be issued within 30 days of receipt of a completed application and all required supporting materials . This was a significant lost opportunity to address Washington ’ s workforce shortages . Unfortunately , the bill did not make it out of the House .
SSB 5892 establishing pilot projects for utilizing high school student nursing assistantcertified programs to address the nursing workforce shortage and promote nursing careers in rural hospitals
Failed / AWB Supported
Sponsored by Sen . Sharon Brown , R-Kennewick , SSB 5892 would have established a Certified Nursing Assistant
( CNA ) pilot projects in two high schools , one on the east side and one on the west side of the state . The intent of the bill was to address workforce shortages and promote nursing careers in rural hospitals by allowing rural hospitals to use high school students who are training to become certified nursing assistants or who are certified nursing assistants . The bill passed the Senate 49-0 but did not make it out of the House Rules Committee .
SHB 2019 increasing educational and training opportunities for careers in retail
Passed / AWB Supported
Sponsored by Rep . Matt Boehnke , R-Kennewick , SHB 2019 establishes a program through a collaboration between the state Workforce Board , the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges and statewide retail employer organizations to identify core skills needed for employment in the retail industry ; and identify existing courses , educational pathways , and apprenticeships for students and entrylevel job seekers to gain the core skills . The intent of the collaboration is to make recommendations to the Legislature on strategies to develop additional courses , pathways , and apprenticeships to make retail certifications and credentials available for job seekers and current retail employees , strategies to build a network for students and job seekers who complete retail certification courses to connect with potential employers , options for engaging and partnering with retail employers to provide courses to incumbent front-line workers for the purpose of up-skilling and promotions , and options for increasing training and job opportunities in the retail industry for underserved communities and previously incarcerated individuals . The bill passed the House 94-2 and the Senate 49-0 .
Rep . Matt Boehnke , R-Kennewick , seen here signing the 2021 Manufacturing Week bus , is ranking minority member of the Community & Economic Development Committee .
18 association of washington business