An Act to amend 47.01 (3m), 47.02 (1), 102.28 (3) (a) 2., 103.34 (7) (a) 4., 103.91 (2) (a), 106.11, 106.13 (2), 106.15 (1) (a), 106.15 (1) (b), 106.15 (1) (c), 106.15 (1) (d), 106.15 (7), 106.16 (2), 106.27 (1m) and 109.07 (1m) (a) of the statutes; Relating to: definition of personal assistance services for the purposes of vocational rehabilitation; updating reference to federal vocational rehabilitation law; updating references to the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014; updating reference to federal law for certificate of registration as a migrant labor contractor; updating statutory reference to federal Social Security Act; and updating references to federal law for safety standards for vehicles used to transport traveling sales crews (suggested as remedial legislation by the Department of Workforce Development).
Impact
The updates proposed in AB936 impact several areas of state law, including the administration of vocational rehabilitation services and the regulation of migrant labor contractors. By aligning state definitions and references with federal laws, the bill enhances the capability of state agencies to access federal funds, thereby improving the delivery of vocational assistance and employment services to individuals in need across Wisconsin. It also seeks to improve safety standards for vehicles transporting traveling sales crews, thereby promoting worker safety.
Summary
Assembly Bill 936, enacted as Wisconsin Act 139, aims to amend various provisions related to vocational rehabilitation and employment services. It updates the definition of personal assistance services to align with current federal definitions, ensuring that state laws reflect the latest legal standards. The bill also modifies references to the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 to maintain consistency with the latest legislative framework governing workforce development.
Sentiment
The general sentiment surrounding AB936 appears to be positive, particularly from advocacy groups and organizations focused on workforce development. Supporters advocate that the modernization of the vocabulary and legal references in the bill streamlines processes and removes outdated language. However, there may be underlying concerns about whether these changes fully address the needs of all affected populations, especially in light of rapidly changing job markets and evolving definitions in labor laws.
Contention
While the bill is largely viewed as remedial legislation with minimal contention, some stakeholders raised questions regarding the adequacy of the changes in addressing current challenges in vocational training and assistance. The focus on updating technical language may not be perceived as sufficient to overhaul more significant systemic issues within the workforce development sector, such as access to quality training programs and adequate support for underrepresented populations.
Crossfiled
Definition of personal assistance services for the purposes of vocational rehabilitation; updating reference to federal vocational rehabilitation law; updating references to the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014; updating reference to federal law for certificate of registration as a migrant labor contractor; updating statutory reference to federal Social Security Act; and updating references to federal law for safety standards for vehicles used to transport traveling sales crews (suggested as remedial legislation by the Department of Workforce Development).
Definition of personal assistance services for the purposes of vocational rehabilitation; updating reference to federal vocational rehabilitation law; updating references to the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014; updating reference to federal law for certificate of registration as a migrant labor contractor; updating statutory reference to federal Social Security Act; and updating references to federal law for safety standards for vehicles used to transport traveling sales crews (suggested as remedial legislation by the Department of Workforce Development).
Fixing a cross-reference in a definition of “violent crime” and updating terminology to reflect changes in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (suggested as remedial language by the Department of Justice).
Fixing a cross-reference in a definition of “violent crime” and updating terminology to reflect changes in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (suggested as remedial language by the Department of Justice).
Adjusting certain internal KPERS act statutory references, extending the time for filing administrative appeals and updating provisions relating to compliance with the federal internal revenue code.