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Bill

HR 5295

ACCESS Act

119th Congress Introduced by Suzanne Bonamici and 2 co-sponsors

The ACCESS Act enhances career counseling for secondary students, promoting skilled trades and high-demand industries through awareness campaigns and improved resources.

Introduced in House
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 5295

Summary of HR 5295 - ACCESS Act

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: HR 5295
  • Title: ACCESS Act (Access to Career Counseling for Every Secondary Student Act)
  • Status: Introduced in the House of Representatives
  • Introduced On: September 11, 2025
  • Primary Sponsor: Ms. Suzanne Bonamici
  • Cosponsor: Mr. Glenn Thompson
  • Referred to: House Committee on Education and Workforce

Purpose and Intent

The ACCESS Act aims to amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to enhance public awareness of skilled trade programs. The bill seeks to improve career counseling services for secondary students, thereby encouraging youth to pursue careers in high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industries, particularly within skilled trades.

Key Provisions

The bill includes the following significant amendments to the WIOA:

  1. Public Awareness Campaigns:

    • The bill mandates the implementation of public awareness campaigns and public service announcements. These campaigns will utilize various media platforms, including social media, to promote career and technical education programs and community-based organizations that prepare youth for skilled trades.

  2. Career Counseling Enhancements:

    • The bill revises existing provisions to ensure that local programs provide comprehensive labor market and employment information. This includes:
      • Career awareness
      • Career counseling
      • Career exploration services
    • The focus will be on high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors and occupations.

Impact

The ACCESS Act is designed to benefit:
- Secondary Students: By providing better access to career counseling and information about skilled trades, students will be more informed about their career options.
- Educational Institutions: Schools and community organizations will receive support to enhance their career services.
- Local Economies: By promoting skilled trades, the bill aims to address workforce shortages in critical industries, potentially boosting local economies.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced and referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce on the same day, September 11, 2025. Further legislative actions will determine its progression through Congress.

Conclusion

The ACCESS Act represents a significant effort to elevate the profile of skilled trades and improve career counseling for secondary students. By fostering awareness and providing essential resources, the bill aims to prepare the next generation for successful careers in high-demand fields.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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