Establishes program within the Higher Education Coordinating Commission to promote workforce development initiatives in the trucking industry.

Establishes a workforce development program within the Higher Education Coordinating Commission aimed at addressing workforce shortages in the trucking industry. The program will provide grants to local workforce development boards to increase commercial driver license (CDL) training opportunities, with a focus on supporting individuals from underrepresented communities and rural areas. Key objectives include addressing truck driver shortages, supporting economic growth, and reducing barriers to CDL training by offering financial assistance for tuition, training, transportation, and wraparound services like housing assistance and career counseling. Local workforce development boards will be required to consult with trucking industry employers and community leaders to develop recruitment strategies and job placement partnerships. The program is funded with a $5 million appropriation from the General Fund for the 2025-2027 biennium, and recipients will be required to report on program outcomes, including participant completion rates, job placements, and the impact on truck driver shortages. The bill includes an emergency clause, meaning it will take effect immediately upon passage, and requires the commission to submit a report on program outcomes to legislative committees by September 15, 2026.

Pending Committee action.

02/27/2025 First reading in House. Referred to Speaker's desk.
03/04/2025 Referred to House Committee on Higher Education and Workforce Development with subsequent referral to Ways and Means.