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Bill

A 4394

Enacts the "omnibus learning for work act"; appropriation

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Paul Bologna

Funds and expands a school-work integration program to grow work-based learning and career pathways for students through partnerships, supports, and accountability.

REFERRED TO EDUCATION
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Bill Summary · A 4394

Summary: Bill A 4394 – Omnibus Learning for Work Act; appropriation

Basic information

  • Bill number: A 4394
  • Title: Enacts the "Omnibus Learning for Work Act"; appropriation
  • Status: REFERRED TO EDUCATION
  • Introduced: February 4, 2025
  • Related bills: A 6303 (prior-session)

What the bill appears to do (based on title and status)

The bill is described as an act to be known as the “Omnibus Learning for Work Act” and includes an appropriation. The exact text of provisions is not provided in the materials available here, so the following reflects typical elements such a bill would address and what to look for when the full text is released.

Potential key provisions (subject to confirmed text)

Note: The following are common features in omnibus education-workforce bills and are not stated as confirmed contents of A 4394.

  • Integrated learning-to-work framework: Establish or expand programs that connect school learning with labor-market needs, including career and technical education (CTE), work-based learning, internships, pre-apprenticeships, and apprenticeships.
  • Funding and appropriation: Provide state funding to support these programs, including seed money for new initiatives, ongoing appropriations for program operations, and potential incentives or grants for districts and postsecondary partners.
  • School–employer partnerships: Create or strengthen partnerships among K-12 districts, higher education institutions, workforce development agencies, and local employers to align curricula with industry needs.
  • Student supports and access: Expand access to career pathways for a broad student population, including guidance, counseling, mentorship, and supports to increase participation in in-demand fields.
  • Accountability and evaluation: Establish metrics and reporting requirements to assess program effectiveness, student outcomes (e.g., completion of pathways, certifications, employment after graduation), and program fidelity.
  • Professional development: Provide training and resources for educators to deliver work-based learning experiences and integrate career-readiness skills across curricula.
  • Data sharing and transparency: Enable data collection and sharing across agencies to monitor outcomes while considering privacy and protections.

Who would be affected

  • Students: Expanded access to work-based learning and career pathways.
  • School districts and schools: New or expanded programs, compliance, and reporting requirements.
  • Postsecondary institutions and training providers: Partnerships with K-12 and the ability to offer aligned programs.
  • Employers and industry partners: Opportunities to participate in internships, apprenticeships, and pathway development.
  • State education and workforce agencies: Administration of programs, funding, accountability systems, and reporting.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Current status: Referred to the Education Committee as of February 4, 2025.
  • Next steps: Await the full bill text to confirm enacted provisions, funding levels, and specific implementation timelines. Monitor committee hearings, amendments, and floor action. The related pre-session bill A 6303 may provide context for prior-session priorities.

Why this matters

If enacted, the act would likely formalize and fund efforts to better align educational experiences with workforce needs, potentially expanding hands-on learning opportunities and strengthening career pathways for students. Tracking the full text will clarify exact programs, funding amounts, oversight, and reporting requirements.

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

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