HB 435 — Veterans Employment and Training
by Representative Sirois and others (SB 586 by Senators Wright, Perry, Stewart, and Farmer)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Committee (MS)
This bill designates Florida is for Veterans as the state’s principal assistance organization under the United States Department of Defense’s (department) SkillBridge program (program) for employers and transitioning servicemembers. Under the existing SkillBridge program, a servicemember is eligible to participate in his or her last 180 days of military service.
In its role under the program, Florida is for Veterans is required to:
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Establish and maintain its certification for either the Skillbridge program or a similar workforce training and transition program established by the department;
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Educate businesses, business associations, and transitioning servicemembers on the SkillBridge program and its benefits, and educate military command and personnel within the state on opportunities available to transitioning servicemembers through the program;
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Assist businesses in obtaining approval for skilled workforce training curricula under the program, including apprenticeships, internships, or fellowships; and
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Match transitioning servicemembers who are deemed eligible for program participation by their military command with training opportunities offered by Florida is for Veterans or participating businesses, with the intent of having transitioning servicemembers achieve gainful employment in the state upon completion of their training.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect July 1, 2021.
Vote: Senate 40-0; House 118-0