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H.B. 15

1    

WORKFORCE SERVICES AMENDMENTS

2    
1998 GENERAL SESSION

3    
STATE OF UTAH

4    
Sponsor: Orville D. Carnahan

5    AN ACT RELATING TO WORKFORCE SERVICES; CHANGING THE MAKE UP OF THE
6    CHILD CARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE; REPEALING SECTION ON EMPLOYMENT
7    DECISIONS; AND MAKING TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS IN TERMINOLOGY AND
8    REFERENCES.
9    This act affects sections of Utah Code Annotated 1953 as follows:
10    AMENDS:
11         35A-1-102, as last amended by Chapters 174 and 375, Laws of Utah 1997
12         35A-1-206, as last amended by Chapter 375, Laws of Utah 1997
13         35A-2-103, as last amended by Chapter 375, Laws of Utah 1997
14         35A-2-201, as last amended by Chapter 375, Laws of Utah 1997
15         35A-2-202, as last amended by Chapters 174 and 375, Laws of Utah 1997
16         35A-2-203, as last amended by Chapter 375, Laws of Utah 1997
17         35A-3-101, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 375, Laws of Utah 1997
18         35A-3-103, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 174, Laws of Utah 1997
19         35A-3-203, as last amended by Chapter 196 and renumbered and amended by Chapter 375,
20    Laws of Utah 1997
21         35A-3-205, as last amended by Chapters 196, 276 and renumbered and amended by Chapter
22    375, Laws of Utah 1997
23         35A-3-304, as enacted by Chapter 174, Laws of Utah 1997
24         35A-3-504, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 174, Laws of Utah 1997
25         35A-3-508, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 174, Laws of Utah 1997
26         35A-4-312, as last amended by Chapter 375, Laws of Utah 1997
27         35A-4-505, as last amended by Chapter 375, Laws of Utah 1997


1    RENUMBERS AND AMENDS:
2         35A-3-115, (Renumbered from 35A-4-504, as last amended by Chapter 375, Laws of Utah
3    1997)
4    REPEALS:
5         35A-1-209, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 375, Laws of Utah 1997
6    Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
7        Section 1. Section 35A-1-102 is amended to read:
8         35A-1-102. Definitions.
9        Unless otherwise specified, as used in this title:
10        (1) "Client" means an individual who the department has determined to be eligible for
11    services or benefits under:
12        (a) Chapter 3, Employment Support Act; and
13        [(b) Section 35A-4-504; and]
14        [(c)] (b) Chapter 5, Training and Workforce Improvement Act.
15        (2) "Consortium of counties" means an organization of the counties within a regional
16    workforce services area designated under Section 35A-2-101:
17        (a) in which all of the county commissions jointly comply with this title in working with
18    the executive director of the department regarding regional workforce services areas; and
19        (b) (i) that existed as of July 1, 1997; or
20        (ii) that is created on or after July 1, 1997, with the approval of the executive director.
21        (3) "Department" means the Department of Workforce Services created in Section
22    35A-1-103.
23        (4) "Employment [advisor] counselor" means an individual responsible for developing an
24    employment plan and coordinating the services and benefits under this title in accordance with
25    Chapter 2, Regional Workforce Services Areas.
26        (5) "Employment assistance" means services or benefits provided by the department under:
27        [(a) Section 35A-4-504;]
28        [(b)] (a) Chapter 3, Employment Support Act; and
29        [(c)] (b) Chapter 5, Training and Workforce Improvement Act.
30        (6) "Employment center" is a location in a regional workforce services area where the
31    services provided by a regional workforce services area under Section 35A-2-201 may be accessed

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1    by a client.
2        (7) "Employment plan" means a written agreement between the department and a client
3    that describes:
4        (a) the relationship between the department and the client;
5        (b) the obligations of the department and the client; and
6        (c) the result if an obligation is not fulfilled by the department or the client.
7        (8) "Executive director" means the executive director of the department appointed under
8    Section 35A-1-201.
9        (9) "Public assistance" means:
10        (a) services or benefits provided under Chapter [8] 3, Employment Support Act;
11        (b) medical assistance provided under Title 26, Chapter 18, Medical Assistance Act;
12        (c) foster care maintenance payments provided with the General Fund or under Title IV-E
13    of the Social Security Act;
14        (d) food stamps; and
15        (e) any other public funds expended for the benefit of a person in need of financial,
16    medical, food, housing, or related assistance.
17        (10) "Regional workforce services area" means a regional workforce services area
18    established in accordance with Chapter 2, Regional Workforce Services Areas.
19        (11) "Stabilization" means addressing the basic living, family care, and social or
20    psychological needs of the client so that the client may take advantage of training or employment
21    opportunities provided under this title or through other agencies or institutions.
22        Section 2. Section 35A-1-206 is amended to read:
23         35A-1-206. State Council on Workforce Services -- Appointment -- Membership --
24     Terms of members -- Compensation.
25        (1) There is created a State Council on Workforce Services that shall:
26        (a) perform the activities described in Subsection (8);
27        (b) advise on issues requested by the department and the Legislature; and
28        (c) make recommendations to the department regarding:
29        (i) the implementation of Chapters 2, 3, and 5; and
30        [(ii) the job placement functions under Chapter 4; and]
31        [(iii)] (ii) the coordination of apprenticeship training.

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1        (2) (a) The council shall consist of the following voting members:
2        (i) each chair of a regional workforce services council appointed under Section 35A-2-103;
3        (ii) the superintendent of public instruction or the superintendent's designee;
4        (iii) the commissioner of higher education or the commissioner's designee; and
5        (iv) the following members appointed by the governor in consultation with the executive
6    director:
7        (A) four representatives of small employers as defined by rule by the department;
8        (B) four representatives of large employers as defined by rule by the department;
9        (C) four representatives of employees or employee organizations, including at least one
10    representative from nominees suggested by public employees organizations;
11        (D) two representatives of the clients served under this title including community-based
12    organizations;
13        (E) a representative of veterans in the state; and
14        (F) the executive director of the Utah State Office of Rehabilitation.
15        (b) The following shall serve as nonvoting ex officio members of the council:
16        (i) the executive director or the executive director's designee;
17        (ii) a legislator appointed by the governor from nominations of the speaker of the House
18    of Representatives and president of the Senate;
19        (iii) the executive director of the Department of Human Services;
20        (iv) the executive director of the Department of Community and Economic Development;
21    and
22        (v) the executive director of the Department of Health.
23        (3) (a) The governor shall appoint one nongovernmental member from the council to be
24    the chair.
25        (b) The chair shall serve at the pleasure of the governor.
26        (4) (a) A member appointed by the governor shall serve a term of four years and may be
27    reappointed to one additional term.
28        (b) A member shall continue to serve until the member's successor has been appointed and
29    qualified.
30        (c) Except as provided in Subsection (4)(d), as terms of council members expire, the
31    governor shall appoint each new member or reappointed member to a four-year term.

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1        (d) Notwithstanding the requirements of Subsection (4)(c), the governor shall, at the time
2    of appointment or reappointment, adjust the length of terms to ensure that the terms of council
3    members are staggered so that approximately one half of the council is appointed every two years.
4        (e) When a vacancy occurs in the membership for any reason, the replacement shall be
5    appointed for the unexpired term.
6        (5) A majority of the voting members constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business.
7        (6) (a) (i) A public member may not receive compensation for the member's services, but
8    may receive per diem and expenses incurred in the performance of the member's official duties at
9    the rates established by the Division of Finance under Sections 63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107.
10        (ii) A public member may decline to receive per diem and expenses for the member's
11    service.
12        (b) (i) A state government member who does not receive salary, per diem, or expenses
13    from the state for the member's service may receive per diem and expenses incurred in the
14    performance of the member's official duties as a member at the rates established by the Division
15    of Finance under Sections 63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107.
16        (ii) A state government member who is a member because of the member's state
17    government position may not receive per diem or expenses for the member's service.
18        (iii) A state government member may decline to receive per diem and expenses for the
19    member's service.
20        (c) A legislator on the council shall receive compensation and expenses as provided by law
21    and legislative rule.
22        (d) A higher education member who does not receive salary, per diem, or expenses from
23    the entity that the member represents for the member's service may receive per diem and expenses
24    incurred in the performance of the member's official duties from the council at the rates established
25    by the Division of Finance under Sections 63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107.
26        (e) (i) A local government member who does not receive salary, per diem, or expenses
27    from the entity that the member represents for the member's service may receive per diem and
28    expenses incurred in the performance of the member's official duties at the rates established by the
29    Division of Finance under Sections 63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107.
30        (ii) A local government member may decline to receive per diem and expenses for the
31    member's service.

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1        (7) The department shall provide staff and administrative support to the council at the
2    direction of the executive director.
3        (8) The council shall:
4        (a) develop a state workforce services plan in accordance with Section 35A-1-207;
5        (b) review regional workforce services plans to certify consistency with state policy
6    guidelines;
7        (c) work cooperatively with regional councils on workforce services to oversee regional
8    workforce services area operations and to ensure that services are being delivered in accordance
9    with regional workforce services plans;
10        (d) oversee the department's provision of technical assistance to the regional workforce
11    services areas;
12        (e) evaluate program performance, customer satisfaction, and other indicators to identify
13    program strengths and weaknesses;
14        (f) based on the evaluation conducted under Subsection (8)(e) develop plans to improve
15    program outcomes;
16        (g) improve the understanding and visibility of state workforce services efforts through
17    external and internal marketing strategies;
18        (h) make an annual report of accomplishments to the governor and the Legislature related
19    to the activities of the department;
20        (i) issue other studies, reports, or documents the council considers advisable that are not
21    required under Subsection (8)(h);
22        (j) coordinate the planning and delivery of workforce development services with public
23    education, higher education, vocational rehabilitation, and human services; and
24        (k) perform other responsibilities within the scope of workforce services as requested by:
25        (i) the Legislature;
26        (ii) the governor; or
27        (iii) the executive director.
28        Section 3. Section 35A-2-103 is amended to read:
29         35A-2-103. Regional council on workforce services -- Appointment -- Membership
30     -- Terms of members -- Compensation.
31        (1) The executive director shall jointly with all of the consortium of counties in the regional

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1    workforce services area, establish one or more regional councils on workforce services in each
2    regional workforce services area. A regional council on workforce services shall:
3        (a) perform the functions described in Subsection (9);
4        (b) work with the regional director, the department, the consortium of counties, and the
5    State Council on Workforce Services on issues requested by the director of the regional workforce
6    services area or the department; and
7        (c) make recommendations to the regional workforce services area and department
8    regarding:
9        (i) the implementation of Chapters 2, 3, and 5; and
10        [(ii) the job placement functions under Chapter 4; and]
11        [(iii)] (ii) coordination of apprenticeship training.
12        (2) Unless otherwise specified in this Subsection (2), members of a regional council on
13    workforce services shall be appointed by the consortium of counties that covers the same
14    geographic area as the regional council in the regional workforce services area, in consultation
15    with the regional director, and shall consist of the following:
16        (a) the voting members are:
17        (i) eight representatives of private sector small employers as defined by rule by the
18    department;
19        (ii) eight representatives of private sector large employers as defined by rule by the
20    department;
21        (iii) two representatives of employees including employee organizations and including at
22    least one representative from nominees suggested by public employees organizations in the region;
23        (iv) two representatives of clients including community-based organizations;
24        (v) one representative from organized labor not representing public employees;
25        (vi) three county commissioners from the counties in the regional workforce services area;
26        (vii) a representative of public education appointed jointly by the school district
27    superintendents in the region;
28        (viii) a representative of higher education appointed jointly by the presidents of the
29    institutions of higher education in the region;
30        (ix) a representative of veterans;
31        (x) a representative of the Office of Rehabilitation; and

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1        (xi) an individual who works for or is a member of an economic development board or
2    committee of the state or one of its political subdivisions; and
3        (b) ex officio nonvoting members are:
4        (i) a representative of applied technology;
5        (ii) a representative of the Department of Human Services; and
6        (iii) a representative of the Department of Health.
7        (3) The director of the regional workforce services area shall be a nonvoting ex officio
8    member of the council and provide any necessary staff support for the council.
9        (4) (a) The consortium of counties in the regional workforce services area that appoints
10    the council shall, in consultation with the regional director, appoint a member of the council to be
11    the chair of the council to serve no more than two one-year terms.
12        (b) The chair shall be a representative of private sector employers.
13        (5) (a) (i) Except as provided in Subsection (5)(a)(ii), as terms of council members expire,
14    the consortium of counties in the regional workforce services area that appoints the council shall,
15    in consultation with the regional director, appoint each new member or reappointed member to a
16    four-year term.
17        (ii) Notwithstanding the requirements of Subsection (5)(a)(i), the consortium of counties
18    in the regional workforce services area that appoints the council shall, in consultation with the
19    regional director, at the time of appointment or reappointment, adjust the length of terms to ensure
20    that the terms of council members are staggered so that approximately one half of the council is
21    appointed every two years.
22        (iii) When a vacancy occurs in the membership for any reason, the replacement shall be
23    appointed for the unexpired term.
24        (b) At the expiration of the term of a council member or if a vacancy occurs on the council,
25    the consortium of counties in the regional workforce services area shall appoint a replacement to
26    the council, in consultation with the regional director.
27        (c) A member shall continue to serve as a member until the member's successor has been
28    appointed and qualified.
29        (d) A member is eligible for reappointment.
30        (e) The consortium of counties in the regional workforce services area that appoints the
31    council shall appoint, in consultation with the regional director, an individual to replace a council

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1    member for the remainder of the term of the council member being replaced if the council
2    member:
3        (i) ceases to be representative as designated by the original appointment; or
4        (ii) fails to attend three council meetings, if each of the three absences are not excused by
5    the chair prior or during the meeting.
6        (6) (a) A majority of the voting members constitutes a quorum for the transaction of
7    business.
8        (b) Notwithstanding Subsection (6)(a), a majority of the private sector representatives shall
9    be present for business to be transacted.
10        (7) (a) (i) A public member may not receive compensation for the member's services, but
11    may receive per diem and expenses incurred in the performance of the member's official duties at
12    the rates established by the Division of Finance under Sections 63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107.
13        (ii) A public member may decline to receive per diem and expenses for the member's
14    service.
15        (b) (i) A state government member who does not receive salary, per diem, or expenses
16    from the state for the member's service may receive per diem and expenses incurred in the
17    performance of the member's official duties as a member at the rates established by the Division
18    of Finance under Sections 63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107.
19        (ii) A state government member who is a member because of the member's state
20    government position may not receive per diem or expenses for the member's service.
21        (iii) A state government member may decline to receive per diem and expenses for the
22    member's service.
23        (c) A higher education member who does not receive salary, per diem, or expenses from
24    the entity that the member represents for the member's service may receive per diem and expenses
25    incurred in the performance of the member's official duties from the council at the rates established
26    by the Division of Finance under Sections 63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107.
27        (d) (i) A local government member who does not receive salary, per diem, or expenses
28    from the entity that the member represents for the member's service may receive per diem and
29    expenses incurred in the performance of the member's official duties at the rates established by the
30    Division of Finance under Sections 63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107.
31        (ii) A local government member may decline to receive per diem and expenses for the

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1    member's service.
2        (8) The regional council shall annually provide the consortium of counties that appoints
3    the council a written report that shall include the information concerning the elements of the
4    regional plan described in Subsection 35A-2-102(4)(b).
5        (9) The regional councils on workforce services shall:
6        (a) determine the locations of employment centers in accordance with Section 35A-2-203;
7        (b) develop a regional workforce services plan in accordance with Section 35A-1-207;
8        (c) develop training priorities for the region;
9        (d) work cooperatively with the State Council on Workforce Services to oversee regional
10    workforce services areas operations and to ensure that services are being delivered in accordance
11    with regional workforce services plans;
12        (e) address concerns within the regional workforce services area related to apprenticeship
13    training coordination;
14        (f) coordinate the planning and delivery of workforce development services with public
15    education, higher education, vocational rehabilitation, and human services; and
16        (g) report annually to the State Council on Workforce Services.
17        Section 4. Section 35A-2-201 is amended to read:
18         35A-2-201. Services provided at regional workforce services area.
19        (1) Regional workforce services areas shall:
20        (a) through its employment centers, be the primary provider of[: (i) benefits under Section
21    35A-4-504; and (ii)] services and support under Chapter 3, Employment Support Act;
22        (b) broker or contract for services or training under Chapter 5, Training and Workforce
23    Improvement Act; and
24        (c) serve as a regional clearinghouse of information concerning workforce development
25    and services and support available under this title.
26        (2) (a) In providing, brokering, or contracting for the services or training described in
27    Subsection (1)(b), the regional director of a regional workforce services area in consultation with
28    the executive director shall ensure that the regional workforce services area provides, brokers, or
29    contracts for services and training that meets the needs of the special needs population in the
30    regional workforce services area.
31        (b) For purposes of Subsection (2)(a), "special needs population" means individuals who

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1    have special employment needs based on factors including race, gender, age, economic status,
2    education, language skills, and work history.
3        Section 5. Section 35A-2-202 is amended to read:
4         35A-2-202. Single employment advisor -- Specialization -- Employment plan.
5        (1) At each employment center of a regional workforce services area established under
6    Section 35A-2-101 there shall be employed one or more employment advisors.
7        (2) A client shall be assigned one employment [advisor] counselor unless a client:
8        (a) needs only limited services under this title for which expedited procedures are
9    appropriate; or
10        (b) receives diversion assistance under Section 35A-3-303.
11        (3) An employment [advisor] counselor shall:
12        (a) develop an employment plan jointly with the client; and
13        (b) coordinate any services provided, brokered, or contracted for by the department to that
14    client.
15        (4) The employment [advisor] counselor assigned to a client may be selected because of
16    the employment [advisor's] counselor's experience or knowledge in the benefits or services
17    available under the title that best meet the specific needs of the client and the employment
18    [advisor's] counselor's skills in working with groups of clients to develop plans leading to
19    self-sufficiency.
20        (5) (a) An employment [advisor] counselor shall be:
21        (i) trained in the requirements of and benefits or services provided through employment
22    centers in at least one of the following:
23        (A) Chapter 3, Employment Support Act; and
24        [(B) Section 35A-4-504; and]
25        [(C)] (B) Chapter 5, Training and Workforce Improvement Act;
26        (ii) capable of:
27        (A) conducting an effective assessment;
28        (B) negotiating an employment plan; and
29        (C) providing the necessary encouragement and support to a client; and
30        (iii) knowledgeable of:
31        (A) department policies;

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1        (B) relevant law;
2        (C) current labor market conditions;
3        (D) education and training programs for adults; and
4        (E) services and supports available in the community.
5        (b) At the discretion of the director of a regional workforce services area, an employment
6    [advisor] counselor may receive special training in the requirements of or providing services under
7    the statutes listed in Subsection (5)(a)(i).
8        (6) (a) A client employment plan may include:
9        (i) services and support necessary for stabilization;
10        (ii) assessment and training; and
11        (iii) placement.
12        (b) The client employment plan shall consider the job opportunities available to the client
13    based on the job market.
14        (c) The client employment plan shall be outcome-focused.
15        (7) If a client seeks cash assistance under Chapter 3, Employment Support Act, the
16    assignment of an employment [advisor] counselor and the creation and implementation of an
17    employment plan shall be consistent with Section 35A-3-304.
18        Section 6. Section 35A-2-203 is amended to read:
19         35A-2-203. Employment centers.
20        (1) In each county within a regional workforce services area, the regional council on
21    workforce services shall:
22        (a) designate the location of one or more employment centers, as defined in Section
23    35A-1-102, in which the services are provided by the department; or
24        (b) coordinate with the department to establish access to the services provided by the
25    department by means other than an employment center.
26        (2) An employment center shall provide a comprehensive program of employment services
27    including job placement, job development, stabilization, assessment, and job training through its
28    employment [advisors] counselors as part of a system of unified case management.
29        (3) The department may make services that are provided through employment centers
30    under this section accessible through electronic linkage.
31        Section 7. Section 35A-3-101 is amended to read:

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1         35A-3-101. Title -- Employment assistance.
2        (1) This chapter shall be known as the "Employment Support Act."
3        (2) A person eligible for employment assistance under Chapter 3 or 5[, or Section
4    35A-4-504] shall receive any assistance under the applicable chapter [or section], including
5    stabilization, assessment, training, or placement, through the department in accordance with
6    Chapter 2, Part 2, Service Delivery.
7        Section 8. Section 35A-3-103 is amended to read:
8         35A-3-103. Division responsibilities.
9        The division shall:
10        (1) administer public assistance programs assigned by the Legislature and the governor;
11        (2) determine eligibility in accordance with the requirements of this chapter for public
12    assistance programs assigned to it by the Legislature or the governor;
13        (3) cooperate with the federal government in the administration of public assistance
14    programs;
15        (4) administer the Utah state employment service in accordance with Section 35A-3-115;
16        [(4)] (5) provide for the compilation of necessary or desirable information, statistics, and
17    reports;
18        [(5)] (6) perform any other duties and functions required by law;
19        [(6)] (7) monitor the application of eligibility policy;
20        [(7)] (8) develop personnel training programs for more effective and efficient operation
21    of all programs under the administration of the division;
22        [(8)] (9) provide refugee resettlement services;
23        [(9)] (10) provide child care assistance for children; and
24        [(10)] (11) provide services and support that enable clients to qualify for affordable
25    housing in cooperation with:
26        (a) the Utah Housing Finance Agency;
27        (b) the Division of Community Development within the Department of Community and
28    Economic Development; and
29        (c) local housing authorities.
30        Section 9. Section 35A-3-115, which is renumbered from Section 35A-4-504 is
31    renumbered and amended to read:

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1         [35A-4-504].     35A-3-115. State Employment Service -- Agreements with other
2     authorities -- Federal system accepted -- Appropriation.
3        [(1) For purposes of this section "division" means the Division of Employment
4    Development.]
5        [(2) The Utah state employment service is established in the division.]
6        [(3)] (1) (a) The division[, in the conduct of such service,] shall establish and maintain free
7    public employment offices in such manner and in such places as may be necessary for the proper
8    administration of this chapter and for the purposes of performing the functions as are within the
9    purview of the Act of Congress entitled "An act to provide for the establishment of a national
10    employment system and for co-operation with the states in the promotion of such system, and for
11    other purposes," approved June 6, 1933, 48 Stat. 113; U. S. Code, Title 29, Section 49 (c) as
12    amended, hereinafter referred to as the "Wagner-Peyser Act."
13        (b) The division shall consult with regional councils on workforce services when
14    determining the location of public employment offices.
15        (c) A public employment office may be located in connection with or as an integrated part
16    of an employment center established under Section 35A-2-203.
17        [(4)] (2) The provisions of the Wagner-Peyser Act, 29 U.S.C. 49-49c, 49g, 49h, 49k, and
18    557, are accepted by this state, and the department is designated and constitutes the agency of this
19    state for the purposes of the act.
20        [(5)] (3) All moneys received by this state under the Wagner-Peyser Act shall be paid into
21    the Employment Security Administration Fund created by Section 35A-4-505 and shall be
22    expended solely for the maintenance of the state system of public employment offices.
23        [(6)] (4) (a) For the purpose of establishing and maintaining free public employment
24    offices, and promoting the use of their facilities, the division is authorized to enter into agreements
25    with the railroad retirement board, or any other agency of the United States, or of this or any other
26    state, charged with the administration of any law whose purposes are reasonably related to the
27    purposes of this chapter, and as a part of such agreements may accept moneys, services or quarters
28    as a contribution to the maintenance of the state system of public employment offices or as
29    reimbursement for services performed.
30        (b) All moneys received or appropriated for such purposes shall be paid into the
31    Employment Security Administration Fund.

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1        Section 10. Section 35A-3-203 is amended to read:
2         35A-3-203. Functions and duties of office.
3        The office shall:
4        (1) provide information:
5        (a) to employers for the development of options for child care in the work place; and
6        (b) for educating the public in obtaining quality child care;
7        (2) coordinate services for quality child care training and child care resource and referral
8    [care] core services;
9        (3) apply for, accept, or expend gifts or donations from public or private sources;
10        (4) provide administrative support services to the committee;
11        (5) work collaboratively with the following for the delivery of quality child care and early
12    childhood programs, and school age programs in the state:
13        (a) the State Board of Education;
14        [(b) the Department of Human Services;]
15        [(c)] (b) the Department of Community and Economic Development; and
16        [(d)] (c) the Department of Health;
17        (6) recommend to the Legislature legislation that will further the purposes of the office and
18    child care, early childhood programs, and school age programs; and
19        (7) provide planning and technical assistance for the development and implementation of
20    programs in communities that lack child care, early childhood programs, and school age programs.
21        Section 11. Section 35A-3-205 is amended to read:
22         35A-3-205. Creation of committee.
23        (1) There is created a Child Care Advisory Committee.
24        (2) The committee shall counsel and advise the office in fulfilling its statutory obligations.
25        (3) The committee shall be composed of 13 members as follows:
26        (a) one expert in early childhood development appointed by the executive director in
27    accordance with Subsection (4);
28        (b) one child care provider who operates a center appointed by the executive director in
29    accordance with Subsection (4);
30        (c) one child care provider who operates a family child care business appointed by the
31    executive director in accordance with Subsection (4);

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1        (d) one parent of preschool or elementary school-aged children appointed by the executive
2    director in accordance with Subsection (4);
3        (e) one representative [of the Department of Human Services] from the public at-large
4    appointed by the director in accordance with Subsection (4);
5        (f) one representative of the State Office of Education;
6        (g) one representative of the Department of Health;
7        (h) two representatives from the corporate community appointed by the executive director
8    in accordance with Subsection (4);
9        (i) two representatives from the small business community appointed by the executive
10    director in accordance with Subsection (4);
11        (j) one representative from child care advocacy groups appointed by the executive director
12    in accordance with Subsection (4); and
13        (k) one representative from the Division of Employment Development appointed by the
14    executive director [in accordance with Subsection (4)].
15        (4) Of those members appointed by the executive director under Subsection (3), with the
16    exception of the representative from the Division of Employment Development, no more than [six]
17    five may be from the same political party.
18        (5) (a) Except as required by Subsection (5)(b), as terms of current committee members
19    expire, the executive director shall appoint each new member or reappointed member to a
20    four-year term.
21        (b) Notwithstanding the requirements of Subsection (5)(a), the executive director shall,
22    at the time of appointment or reappointment, adjust the length of terms to ensure that the terms of
23    committee members are staggered so that approximately half of the committee is appointed every
24    two years.
25        (6) When a vacancy occurs in the membership for any reason, the replacement shall be
26    appointed for the unexpired term.
27        (7) A majority of the members constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business.
28        (8) The executive director shall select a chair from the committee membership. The chair's
29    term of office expires on April 1 of each year and a chair may serve no more than two one-year
30    terms as chair.
31        (9) (a) (i) Members who are not government employees may not receive compensation or

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1    benefits for their services, but may receive per diem and expenses incurred in the performance of
2    the member's official duties at the rates established by the Division of Finance under Sections
3    63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107.
4        (ii) Members may decline to receive per diem and expenses for their service.
5        (b) (i) State government officer and employee members who do not receive salary, per
6    diem, or expenses from their agency for their service may receive per diem and expenses incurred
7    in the performance of their official duties from the committee at the rates established by the
8    Division of Finance under Sections 63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107.
9        (ii) State government officer and employee members may decline to receive per diem and
10    expenses for their service.
11        Section 12. Section 35A-3-304 is amended to read:
12         35A-3-304. Assessment -- Participation requirements and limitations -- Mentors.
13        (1) (a) Within 20 business days of the date of enrollment, a parent client shall:
14        (i) be assigned an employment [advisor] counselor; and
15        (ii) complete an assessment provided by the division regarding the parent client's family
16    circumstances, education, work history, skills, and ability to become self-sufficient.
17        (b) The assessment provided under Subsection (1) shall include a survey to be completed
18    by the parent client with the assistance of the division.
19        (2) (a) Within 15 business days of a parent client completing an assessment, the division
20    and the parent client shall enter into an employment plan.
21        (b) The employment plan shall contain a target date for entry into employment.
22        (c) The division shall provide a copy of the employment plan to the parent client.
23        (d) As to the parent client, the plan may include:
24        (i) participation in the Workforce Reentry Program described in Section 35A-3-305;
25        (ii) job searching requirements;
26        (iii) participation in an educational program to obtain a high school diploma, or its
27    equivalent, if the parent client does not have a high school diploma;
28        (iv) education or training necessary to obtain employment;
29        (v) a combination of work and education or training;
30        (vi) assisting the Office of Recovery Services in good faith to:
31        (A) establish the paternity of a minor child; and

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1        (B) establish or enforce a child support order; and
2        (vii) participation in available treatment for drug dependency and progress toward
3    overcoming that dependency if the parent client is a drug dependent person as defined in Section
4    58-37-2.
5        (e) As to the division, the plan may include:
6        (i) providing cash and other types of public and employment assistance, including child
7    care;
8        (ii) assisting the parent client to obtain education or training necessary for employment;
9        (iii) assisting the parent client to set up and follow a household budget; and
10        (iv) assisting the parent client to obtain employment.
11        (f) An employment plan may be amended to reflect new information or changed
12    circumstances.
13        (g) If immediate employment is an activity contained in the employment plan the parent
14    client shall:
15        (i) promptly commence a search for a specified number of hours each week for
16    employment; and
17        (ii) regularly submit a report to the division on:
18        (A) how time was spent in search for a job;
19        (B) the number of job applications completed;
20        (C) the interviews attended;
21        (D) the offers of employment extended; and
22        (E) other related information required by the division.
23        (h) If full-time education or training to secure employment is an activity contained in an
24    employment plan, the parent client shall promptly undertake a full-time education or training
25    program. The employment plan may describe courses, education or training goals, and classroom
26    hours.
27        (i) (i) As a condition of receiving cash assistance under this part, a parent client shall agree
28    to make a good faith effort to comply with the employment plan.
29        (ii) If a parent client consistently fails to show good faith in complying with the
30    employment plan, the division may seek under Subsection (2)(i)(iii) to terminate all or part of the
31    cash assistance services provided under this part.

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1        (iii) The division shall establish a process to reconcile disputes between a client and the
2    division as to whether:
3        (A) the parent client has made a good faith effort to comply with the employment plan;
4    or
5        (B) the division has complied with the employment plan.
6        (3) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (3)(b), a parent client's participation in education
7    or training beyond that required to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent is limited to the
8    lesser of:
9        (i) 24 months; or
10        (ii) the completion of the education and training requirements of the employment plan.
11        (b) A parent client may participate in education or training for up to six months beyond
12    the 24-month limit of Subsection (3)(a) if:
13        (i) the parent client is employed for 80 or more hours a month; and
14        (ii) the extension is for good cause shown and approved by the director.
15        (c) A parent client who receives an extension under Subsection (3)(b) remains subject to
16    Subsection (4).
17        (4) A parent client with a high school diploma or equivalent who has received 24 months
18    of education or training shall participate in full-time work activities. The 24 months need not be
19    continuous and the department may define "full-time work activities" by rule.
20        (5) Beginning on July 1, 1998, as a condition for receiving cash assistance on behalf of
21    a minor child under this part, the minor child shall be:
22        (a) enrolled in and attending school in compliance with Section 53A-11-101; or
23        (b) exempt from school attendance under Section 53A-11-102.
24        (6) This section does not apply to a person who has received diversion assistance under
25    Section 35A-3-303.
26        (7) (a) The division shall recruit and train volunteers to serve as mentors for parent clients.
27        (b) A mentor may advocate on behalf of a parent client and help a parent client:
28        (i) develop life skills;
29        (ii) implement an employment plan; or
30        (iii) obtain services and supports from:
31        (A) the volunteer mentor;

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1        (B) the division; or
2        (C) civic organizations.
3        Section 13. Section 35A-3-504 is amended to read:
4         35A-3-504. Relationship of civic and state services.
5        (1) (a) Services and supports provided by a civic organization under this part are in
6    addition to, and not in lieu of, any service or support provided by the division to a client.
7        (b) Receipt of services from a civic organization may not diminish a person's eligibility
8    for services or supports from the division.
9        (2) A person is under no obligation to receive services from a civic organization.
10        (3) A civic organization is under no obligation to provide services to a person, except as
11    provided in a contract between the organization and the division pursuant to Section [35A-3-508]
12    35A-3-507.
13        Section 14. Section 35A-3-508 is amended to read:
14         35A-3-508. Inventory of civic organizations.
15        (1) To enable the division to refer a client or applicant to an appropriate civic organization
16    under this part, the division, in cooperation with the coalition described in Section 35A-3-511,
17    shall complete a statewide inventory of civic organizations. For those organizations that wish to
18    participate, the inventory shall include:
19        (a) a description of the services and supports provided;
20        (b) the geographical locations served;
21        (c) methods of accessing services; and
22        (d) eligibility for services.
23        (2) The inventory shall be stored, updated annually, and made available in a usable form
24    as a resource directory for all employment [advisors] counselors.
25        Section 15. Section 35A-4-312 is amended to read:
26         35A-4-312. Records.
27        (1) Each employing unit shall keep true and accurate work records containing any
28    information the department may prescribe by rule. The records shall be open to inspection and
29    subject to being copied by the division or its authorized representatives at any reasonable time and
30    as often as may be necessary. The employing unit shall make the records available in the state for
31    three years after the calendar year in which the services were rendered.

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1        (2) The division may require from any employing unit any sworn or unsworn reports with
2    respect to persons employed by it that the division considers necessary for the effective
3    administration of this chapter.
4        (3) (a) Except as provided in this section or in Sections 35A-4-103[,] and 35A-4-106, [and
5    35A-4-504,] information obtained under this chapter or obtained from any individual may not be
6    published or open to public inspection in any manner revealing the employing unit's or individual's
7    identity.
8        (b) The information obtained by the division pursuant to this section may not be used in
9    any court or admitted into evidence in an action or proceeding, except:
10        (i) in an action or proceeding arising out of this chapter;
11        (ii) in an action or proceeding by the Labor Commission to enforce the workers'
12    compensation coverage requirements of Title 34A, Chapter 2 or 3; or
13        (iii) where obtained pursuant to a court order.
14        (4) The information obtained by the division pursuant to this section shall be disclosed to:
15        (a) a party to a hearing before an administrative law judge or the division to the extent
16    necessary for the proper presentation of the party's case; or
17        (b) an employer, upon request in writing for any information concerning claims for benefits
18    with respect to the employer's former employees.
19        (5) The information obtained by the division pursuant to this section may be disclosed to:
20        (a) an employee of the department in the performance of the employee's duties in
21    administering this chapter;
22        (b) an employee of the Labor Commission for the purpose of carrying out the programs
23    administered by the department for the protection of workers in the workplace;
24        (c) an employee of the governor's office and other state governmental agencies
25    administratively responsible for statewide economic development, to the extent necessary for
26    economic development policy analysis and formulation;
27        (d) an employee of the department or other governmental agency that is specifically
28    identified and authorized by federal or state law to receive the information for the purposes stated
29    in the law authorizing the employee of the agency to receive the information;
30        (e) an employee of a governmental agency to the extent the information will aid in the
31    detection or avoidance of duplicate, inconsistent, or fraudulent claims against public assistance

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1    funds, or the recovery of overpayments of public assistance funds;
2        (f) an employee of a law enforcement agency to the extent the disclosure is necessary to
3    avoid a significant risk to public safety or in aid of a felony criminal investigation;
4        (g) an employee of the State Tax Commission or the Internal Revenue Service for the
5    purposes of audit verification or simplification, state or federal tax compliance, verification of
6    Standard Industry Codes, and statistics;
7        (h) an employee of the department, an educational institution, or other governmental entity
8    engaged in programs providing job training to individuals for the purpose of coordinating services
9    and evaluating the effectiveness of the job training programs; or
10        (i) an employee of the Department of Community and Economic Development, for the
11    purpose of periodically publishing in the Directory of Business and Industry, the name, address,
12    telephone number, number of employees by range, Standard Industrial Code, and type of
13    ownership of Utah employers.
14        (6) Disclosure of private information pursuant to Subsection (5), with the exception of
15    Subsections (5)(d) and (f), shall be made only if:
16        (a) the division determines that the disclosure will not have a negative effect on the
17    willingness of employers to report wage and employment information or on the willingness of
18    individuals to file claims for unemployment benefits; and
19        (b) the agency enters into a written agreement with the division in accordance with rules
20    made by the department.
21        (7) The employees of a division of the department other than the Division of Workforce
22    Information and Payment Services or an agency receiving private information from the division
23    under this chapter are subject to the same requirements of privacy and confidentiality and to the
24    same penalties for misuse or improper disclosure of the information as employees of the division.
25    Use of private information obtained from the department by a person, or for a purpose other than
26    one authorized in Subsection (4) or (5) violates Subsection 35A-4-104(4).
27        Section 16. Section 35A-4-505 is amended to read:
28         35A-4-505. Employment Security Administration Fund.
29        (1) (a) There is created in the General Fund a restricted account known as the Employment
30    Security Administration Fund.
31        (b) All moneys which are deposited or paid into this fund shall be continuously available

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1    to the [division] department for expenditure in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and
2    Chapter 3, Employment Support Act, and shall not lapse at any time or be transferred to any other
3    fund.
4        (c) All moneys in this fund which are received from the Secretary of Labor under Title III
5    of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 501 et seq. shall be expended solely for the purposes and in
6    the amounts found necessary, after reasonable notice and opportunity for hearing to the division,
7    by the Secretary of Labor for the proper and efficient administration of this chapter.
8        (2) The fund shall consist of all moneys appropriated by this state, all moneys received
9    from the United States of America, or any agency thereof, including the Secretary of Labor, and
10    all moneys received from any other source for such purpose, and shall also include any moneys
11    received from any agency of the United States or any other state as compensation for services or
12    facilities supplied to such agency, any amounts received pursuant to any surety bond or insurance
13    policy or from other sources for losses sustained by the Employment Security Administration Fund
14    or by reason of damage to equipment or supplies purchased from moneys in such fund, and any
15    proceeds realized from the sale or disposition of any equipment or supplies which may no longer
16    be necessary for the proper administration of this chapter.
17        (3) (a) All moneys in this fund shall be deposited, administered, and disbursed, in
18    accordance with the directions of the department.
19        (b) The state treasurer shall pay all warrants drawn upon it by the division in accordance
20    with rules prescribed by the department.
21        (4) The state treasurer shall be liable on his official bond for the faithful performance of
22    his duties in connection with the employment security administration fund provided for under this
23    chapter. Such liability on the official bond shall be effective immediately upon the enactment of
24    this provision, and such liability shall exist in addition to any liability upon any separate bond
25    existent on the effective date of this provision, or which may be given in the future. All sums
26    recovered on any surety bond for losses sustained by the employment security administration fund
27    shall be deposited in said fund.
28        (5) If any moneys received after June 30, 1941, from the Secretary of Labor under Title
29    III of the Social Security Act, or any unencumbered balances in the employment security
30    administration fund as of that date, are found, after reasonable notice and opportunity for hearing
31    to the division, by the Secretary of Labor to have been lost or been expended for purposes other

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1    than, or in amounts in excess of, those found necessary by the Secretary of Labor for the proper
2    administration of this chapter, the moneys shall be replaced within a reasonable time by moneys
3    appropriated for this purpose from the general funds of this state to the Employment Security
4    Administration Fund for expenditure as provided in Subsection (1). Upon receipt of notice of such
5    a finding by the Secretary of Labor, the division shall promptly report the amount required for such
6    replacement to the governor.
7        Section 17. Repealer.
8        This act repeals:
9        Section 35A-1-209, Employment decisions.




Legislative Review Note
    as of 12-1-97 1:29 PM


A limited legal review of this bill raises no obvious constitutional or statutory concerns.

Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel


Committee Note

The Workforce Services Interim Committee recommended this bill.

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