SF 404

as introduced - 92nd Legislature (2021 - 2022) Posted on 07/16/2021 01:35pm

A bill for an act
relating to workforce development; appropriating money for grants to assist
internationally trained professionals in earning Minnesota licenses; requiring
reports.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin INTERNATIONALLY TRAINED PROFESSIONALS GRANTS;
APPROPRIATION.
new text end

new text begin (a) $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2022 and $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2023 are appropriated
from the general fund to the commissioner of employment and economic development for
grants to assist internationally trained professionals in earning the professional licenses
required to do similar work in Minnesota. The commissioner shall work with local workforce
development boards to award these grants and shall give preference to efforts to assist
professionals in occupations where there is unmet local need for that profession's skills.
new text end

new text begin (b) Eligible uses of grant funds may include but are not limited to:
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new text begin (1) subsidizing the cost of training for or taking required licensing examinations;
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new text begin (2) providing instruction in English as a second language;
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new text begin (3) supportive services that increase the success rate of individuals seeking licensing;
and
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new text begin (4) connecting newly licensed individuals with appropriate employment.
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new text begin (c) By February 15, 2024, and each February 15 in an even-numbered year thereafter,
the commissioner shall submit a report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the
legislative committees with jurisdiction over workforce development on the use of grant
funds and program outcomes. At a minimum, the report must include:
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new text begin (1) the number of new professional licenses facilitated by the program;
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new text begin (2) information on the employment outcomes of individuals supported by the program;
and
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new text begin (3) any other quantifiable measures of success.
new text end