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Bill

Bill

S 5141

Establishes a direct service professional credit and career ladder tuition assistance grant program

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Ashby and 1 co-sponsor

Bill S 5141 creates tuition grants for direct service professionals, enhancing training and career growth to improve support for individuals with disabilities.

REPORTED AND COMMITTED TO FINANCE
0
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Bill Summary · S 5141

Summary of Bill S 5141

Overview

Bill S 5141 aims to establish a Direct Service Professional Credit and Career Ladder Tuition Assistance Grant Program. This initiative is designed to support individuals pursuing careers as direct service professionals, particularly in fields that provide essential services to individuals with disabilities.

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of S 5141 is to enhance the workforce of direct service professionals by providing financial assistance for education and training. This program seeks to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in the disability services sector, thereby improving the quality of care and support available to individuals with disabilities.

Key Provisions

  • Tuition Assistance Grants: The bill proposes the creation of grants to cover tuition costs for individuals enrolled in programs that lead to certification or degrees in direct service professions.
  • Career Ladder Framework: The program will include a structured career ladder, outlining various levels of professional development and corresponding educational requirements.
  • Eligibility Criteria: Individuals seeking assistance must demonstrate a commitment to working in the direct service field, with specific criteria to be established by the administering agency.
  • Funding Allocation: The bill outlines a mechanism for funding the grant program, although specific dollar amounts and sources of funding are not detailed in the current version.

Affected Parties

  • Direct Service Professionals: Individuals currently working or seeking to work in the field of disability services will benefit from the tuition assistance and career advancement opportunities.
  • Educational Institutions: Colleges and training programs that offer relevant courses and certifications will be involved in the implementation of the grant program.
  • Individuals with Disabilities: Enhanced training and support for direct service professionals are expected to lead to improved services for individuals with disabilities.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: February 19, 2025
  • Referred to Disabilities Committee: February 19, 2025
  • Reported and Committed to Finance: April 29, 2025

Related Legislation

This bill is related to several prior-session bills, including:
- S 6106
- S 2620
- S 4959

These related bills may provide context or additional frameworks that inform the current proposal.

Conclusion

Bill S 5141 represents a significant step towards strengthening the workforce of direct service professionals through educational support and career development. By establishing a tuition assistance grant program, the bill aims to ensure that individuals in this critical field receive the training necessary to provide high-quality services to those in need.

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

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