Bill
H 3983
Creates the Emerging Technologies Workforce Training Trust Fund to finance AI, blockchain, cybersecurity, and renewable energy training via grants, scholarships, and partnerships.
Status: Introduced (House Docket No. 2437) — Referred to committee (Economic Development and Emerging Technologies) 04/03/2025; Senate concurred 04/07/2025; hearings scheduled for 09/25/2025. If enacted, becomes effective January 1, 2026.
Note on docket contents: The packet includes unrelated text of a South Carolina birthday resolution for Ellon Vivian Gilliard Bacote. The substantive Massachusetts bill H 3983 (filed by Rep. Kip A. Diggs, 2nd Barnstable) is the Act establishing the Emerging Technologies Workforce Training Trust Fund described below.
Purpose and intent
- Create a dedicated trust fund to finance and expand workforce training in emerging technology fields (explicitly naming blockchain, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and renewable energy technologies).
- Leverage public, private, and federal resources to develop training pathways, increase industry partnerships, and target underrepresented populations for career access.
Key provisions
- New statutory section: Chapter 29, Section 2KKKKKK — establishes the "Emerging Technologies Workforce Training Trust Fund" administered by the Department of Career Services (chapter 23H) in collaboration with the Commonwealth Corporation Foundation.
- Funding sources: state appropriations (and other monies specifically designated by the Legislature), interest earnings, private-sector contributions (technology firms, foundations, etc.), federal grants, and other gifts/donations.
- Non‑reversion rule: amounts credited to the fund “shall not be subject to further appropriation” and balances do not revert to the General Fund at fiscal year-end (text states funds are not subject to further appropriation — see legislative text for legal interpretation).
- Authorized uses (Commonwealth Corporation Foundation, in consultation with the Dept. of Career Services):
- Grants to higher education, vocational-technical schools, and workforce training organizations to develop/implement programs in the specified technology fields.
- Scholarships, paid internships, and awards with emphasis on individuals from underrepresented populations.
- Work-based learning partnerships with private companies (apprenticeships, on-the-job training).
- Public awareness campaigns promoting careers and training opportunities.
- Regional workforce strategy development with regional employment boards.
- Partnerships with private technology firms to reduce state funding burdens and demonstrate industry buy-in.
- Reporting and transparency:
- Annual report (due by December 31 each year) prepared by the Commonwealth Corporation Foundation including: number/type of grants; participants trained and subsequently employed; amount of private sector contributions leveraged; and recommendations to improve programs.
- Report to be submitted to specific legislative committees (joint committees on advanced information technology/internet/cybersecurity and on labor and workforce development; House and Senate Ways & Means; and legislative clerks) and published on the Foundation’s website.
Who is affected
- Beneficiaries: students and workers seeking training in blockchain, AI, cybersecurity, and renewable energy — with targeted support for underrepresented groups.
- Education and training providers: colleges, vocational schools, and workforce organizations eligible for grants.
- Employers: technology firms and other private partners engaging in apprenticeships, internships, and co-funded training.
- State administration: Department of Career Services and the Commonwealth Corporation Foundation (implementation, oversight, reporting).
- Fiscal impact: depends on future appropriations, private/federal donations, and program design; the bill authorizes but does not itself appropriate funds.
Procedural/timeline notes
- Filed as House Docket No. 2437 on 01/16/2025 by Rep. Kip A. Diggs.
- Referred to the committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies 04/03/2025.
- Hearings scheduled and rescheduled for 09/25/2025 (in-person and virtual).
- Effective date if enacted: January 1, 2026.
Related: HD 2437 (listed as replacing this bill in docket materials).
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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