HB 25-1186 — Work‑Based Learning Experiences in Higher Education
Status: Governor Signed (May 30, 2025)
Introduced: February 10, 2025
Note: The official bill text was not included with your request. The summary below combines the bill title, legislative history, sponsor information, and commonly used components of similar higher‑education work‑based learning legislation. For exact statutory language and specific dollar amounts or effective dates, consult the enacted bill text on the legislature’s website.
Purpose and intent
HB 25-1186 is designed to expand and formalize work‑based learning (WBL) opportunities for postsecondary students. The stated intent (as implied by the title and sponsors) is to strengthen connections between higher education institutions and employers, support student career preparation, and increase pathways from postsecondary study into employment.
Legislative timeline and status
- Introduced in House (Education): Feb 10, 2025
- Passed House (with amendments): Apr 30–May 5, 2025
- Passed Senate (no amendments): May 2–May 5, 2025
- Signed by legislative leaders: May 13, 2025
- Sent to Governor and signed into law: May 30, 2025
Primary sponsors: Janice Rich; Matthew Martinez; Dafna Michaelson Jenet; Meghan Lukens. Numerous cosponsors across both parties.
Key provisions (likely, based on bill title and standard practice)
Because the bill text is not provided, the following items describe typical provisions found in work‑based learning legislation and are likely components of HB 25‑1186:
- Definitions: Establishes what constitutes work‑based learning (e.g., internships, apprenticeships, cooperative education, clinical placements).
- Program authorization: Directs public higher education institutions (and possibly private institutions) to develop or expand WBL programs and employer partnerships.
- Credit and curriculum alignment: Provides guidance for awarding academic credit for verified WBL experiences and aligning WBL with degree/certificate learning outcomes.
- Employer engagement: Creates frameworks or incentives for employers to offer paid/unpaid WBL opportunities and to partner on curriculum development.
- Funding and grants: Authorizes state grants or funding streams (competitive or formula) to support program development, student stipends, employer supports, or administrative coordination.
- Student protections and accessibility: Requires nondiscrimination, safety standards, and accessibility measures; may address transportation, stipend levels, or liability/insurance.
- Data, reporting, and accountability: Requires institutions to report participation rates, outcomes (retention, completion, employment), and return‑on‑investment metrics to a state agency.
- Oversight: Assigns implementation authority to a state higher education office, workforce agency, or coordinating board.
Who is affected
- Postsecondary students (including certificate, associate, bachelor’s, and potentially graduate students) — more access to employer‑connected learning and credit.
- Public and private higher education institutions — program design, crediting, and reporting responsibilities.
- Employers and industry partners — opportunities to host students, influence curricula, and access funding or incentives.
- State workforce and higher education agencies — administration, oversight, and data collection duties.
Fiscal and procedural notes
- The enacted bill likely includes appropriation language or directs agencies to request appropriations; specific dollar amounts are not available here.
- Effective date: Not provided. Check the enacted bill text for the precise effective date and any phased implementation timelines.
Next steps / where to find the full text
For precise legal language, funding amounts, reporting deadlines, and the effective date, consult:
- The official bill page at the state legislature website (search HB 25‑1186), or
- The enacted statute as published by the state after the governor’s signature.
If you’d like, I can retrieve and summarize the full bill text and list exact statutory changes and fiscal impacts.
