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S.B. 19

             1     

DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE SERVICES' REGIONAL

             2     
WORKFORCE SERVICE AREAS AMENDMENTS

             3     
2011 GENERAL SESSION

             4     
STATE OF UTAH

             5     
Chief Sponsor: Patricia W. Jones

             6     
House Sponsor: James A. Dunnigan

             7      Cosponsors:Mark B. MadsenRalph Okerlund              8     
             9      LONG TITLE
             10      Committee Note:
             11          The Workforce Services and Community and Economic Development Interim
             12      Committee recommended this bill.
             13      General Description:
             14          This bill modifies provisions of the Utah Workforce Services Code related to Regional
             15      Workforce Services Areas.
             16      Highlighted Provisions:
             17          This bill:
             18          .    replaces regional workforce service areas and councils with economic service areas
             19      within the Department of Workforce Services;
             20          .    provides that the department's executive director has jurisdiction over each
             21      economic service area;
             22          .    modifies the composition of the State Council on Workforce Services;
             23          .    provides that economic service area directors shall develop economic service area
             24      plans;
             25          .    provides for advisory groups to assist economic service area directors;
             26          .    provides that services previously provided at regional workforce service areas shall
             27      be provided in economic service areas through their employment centers; and


             28          .    makes certain technical changes.
             29      Money Appropriated in this Bill:
             30          None
             31      Other Special Clauses:
             32          None
             33      Utah Code Sections Affected:
             34      AMENDS:
             35          35A-1-102, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2002, Chapter 58
             36          35A-1-201, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2002, Chapter 176
             37          35A-1-202, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2005, Chapter 81
             38          35A-1-203, as last amended by Laws of Utah 1997, Chapter 375
             39          35A-1-206, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2010, Chapter 286
             40          35A-1-207, as last amended by Laws of Utah 1997, Chapter 375
             41          35A-2-101, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2000, Chapter 318
             42          35A-2-102, as last amended by Laws of Utah 1997, Chapter 375
             43          35A-2-103, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2010, Chapter 286
             44          35A-2-201, as last amended by Laws of Utah 1998, Chapter 1
             45          35A-2-202, as last amended by Laws of Utah 1999, Chapter 21
             46          35A-2-203, as last amended by Laws of Utah 1998, Chapter 1
             47          35A-3-115, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2010, Chapters 277 and 278
             48     
             49      Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
             50          Section 1. Section 35A-1-102 is amended to read:
             51           35A-1-102. Definitions.
             52          Unless otherwise specified, as used in this title:
             53          (1) "Client" means an individual who the department has determined to be eligible for
             54      services or benefits under:
             55          (a) Chapter 3, Employment Support Act; and
             56          (b) Chapter 5, Training and Workforce Improvement Act.
             57          [(2) "Consortium of counties" means an organization composed of all the counties
             58      within a regional workforce services area designated under Section 35A-2-101 :]


             59          [(a) in which representatives of county government consisting of county
             60      commissioners, county council members, county executives, or county mayors jointly comply
             61      with this title in working with the executive director of the department regarding regional
             62      workforce services areas; and]
             63          [(b) (i) that existed as of July 1, 1997; or]
             64          [(ii) that is created on or after July 1, 1997, with the approval of the executive director.]
             65          [(3)] (2) "Department" means the Department of Workforce Services created in Section
             66      35A-1-103 .
             67          (3) "Economic service area" means an economic service area established in accordance
             68      with Chapter 2, Economic Service Areas.
             69          (4) "Employment assistance" means services or benefits provided by the department
             70      under:
             71          (a) Chapter 3, Employment Support Act; and
             72          (b) Chapter 5, Training and Workforce Improvement Act.
             73          (5) "Employment center" is a location in [a regional workforce services] an economic
             74      service area where the services provided by [a regional workforce services] an economic
             75      service area under Section 35A-2-201 may be accessed by a client.
             76          (6) "Employment counselor" means an individual responsible for developing an
             77      employment plan and coordinating the services and benefits under this title in accordance with
             78      Chapter 2, [Regional Workforce Services] Economic Service Areas.
             79          (7) "Employment plan" means a written agreement between the department and a client
             80      that describes:
             81          (a) the relationship between the department and the client;
             82          (b) the obligations of the department and the client; and
             83          (c) the result if an obligation is not fulfilled by the department or the client.
             84          (8) "Executive director" means the executive director of the department appointed
             85      under Section 35A-1-201 .
             86          (9) "Public assistance" means:
             87          (a) services or benefits provided under Chapter 3, Employment Support Act;
             88          (b) medical assistance provided under Title 26, Chapter 18, Medical Assistance Act;
             89          (c) foster care maintenance payments provided from the General Fund or under Title


             90      IV-E of the Social Security Act;
             91          (d) food stamps; and
             92          (e) any other public funds expended for the benefit of a person in need of financial,
             93      medical, food, housing, or related assistance.
             94          [(10) "Regional workforce services area" means a regional workforce services area
             95      established in accordance with Chapter 2, Regional Workforce Services Areas.]
             96          [(11)] (10) "Stabilization" means addressing the basic living, family care, and social or
             97      psychological needs of the client so that the client may take advantage of training or
             98      employment opportunities provided under this title or through other agencies or institutions.
             99          Section 2. Section 35A-1-201 is amended to read:
             100           35A-1-201. Executive director -- Appointment -- Removal -- Compensation --
             101      Qualifications -- Responsibilities -- Deputy directors -- Reports.
             102          (1) (a) The chief administrative officer of the department is the executive director, who
             103      [shall be] is appointed by the governor with the consent of the Senate.
             104          (b) The executive director serves at the pleasure of the governor.
             105          (c) The executive director shall receive a salary established by the governor within the
             106      salary range fixed by the Legislature in Title 67, Chapter 22, State Officer Compensation.
             107          (d) The executive director shall be experienced in administration, management, and
             108      coordination of complex organizations.
             109          (2) The executive director shall:
             110          (a) administer and supervise the department in compliance with Title 67, Chapter 19,
             111      Utah State Personnel Management Act;
             112          (b) supervise and coordinate between the [regional workforce services] economic
             113      service areas and [regional] directors created under Chapter 2, [Regional Workforce Services]
             114      Economic Service Areas;
             115          (c) coordinate policies and program activities conducted through the divisions and
             116      [regional workforce services] economic service areas of the department;
             117          (d) approve the proposed budget of each division, the Workforce Appeals Board, and
             118      each [regional workforce services] economic service area within the department;
             119          (e) approve all applications for federal grants or assistance in support of any
             120      department program; and


             121          (f) fulfill such other duties as assigned by the Legislature or as assigned by the
             122      governor that are not inconsistent with this title.
             123          (3) The executive director may appoint deputy or assistant directors to assist the
             124      executive director in carrying out the department's responsibilities.
             125          (4) (a) The executive director shall report annually to the Legislature and the governor
             126      concerning the operations of the department and the programs that the department administers.
             127          (b) If federal law requires that a report to the governor or Legislature be given
             128      concerning the department or a program administered by the department, the executive director
             129      or the executive director's designee shall make that report.
             130          (5) The executive director shall at least annually provide for the sharing of information
             131      between the advisory councils established under this title.
             132          Section 3. Section 35A-1-202 is amended to read:
             133           35A-1-202. Divisions -- Creation -- Duties -- Workforce Appeals Board, councils,
             134      Child Care Advisory Committee, and economic services areas.
             135          (1) There is created within the department the following divisions:
             136          (a) the Employment Development Division to administer the development and
             137      implementation of employment assistance programs that are:
             138          (i) related to the operations of the department; and
             139          (ii) consistent with federal and state law;
             140          (b) to administer those services that are not delivered through the [regional workforce
             141      services] economic service areas:
             142          (i) the Workforce Development and Information Division; and
             143          (ii) the Unemployment Insurance Division; and
             144          (c) the Division of Adjudication to adjudicate claims or actions in accordance with this
             145      title.
             146          (2) In addition to the divisions created under this section, within the department are the
             147      following:
             148          (a) the Workforce Appeals Board created in Section 35A-1-205 ;
             149          (b) the State Council on Workforce Services created in Section 35A-1-206 ;
             150          (c) the Employment Advisory Council created in Section 35A-4-502 ;
             151          (d) the Child Care Advisory Committee created in Section 35A-3-205 ; and


             152          (e) the [regional workforce services areas and councils] economic service areas created
             153      in accordance with Chapter 2, [Regional Workforce Services] Economic Service Areas.
             154          Section 4. Section 35A-1-203 is amended to read:
             155           35A-1-203. Executive director -- Jurisdiction over division and economic service
             156      area directors -- No jurisdiction over Workforce Appeals Board -- Authority.
             157          (1) The executive director has administrative jurisdiction over each division and
             158      [regional workforce services] economic service area.
             159          (2) To effectuate greater statewide efficiency and local flexibility in the
             160      implementation of programs, the executive director shall coordinate with the directors of the
             161      divisions and the directors of the [regional workforce services] economic service areas.
             162          [(3) The executive director shall consult with the applicable consortium of counties in
             163      developing management systems, administrative processes, and jurisdictions of the regional
             164      workforce services area. The management systems, administrative processes, and jurisdictions
             165      shall comply with Title 67, Chapter 19, Utah State Personnel Management Act.]
             166          [(4)] (3) To effectuate greater efficiency and economy in the operations of the
             167      department, the executive director may:
             168          (a) make changes in personnel and service functions in the divisions and [regional
             169      workforce services] economic service areas under the executive director's administrative
             170      jurisdiction; and
             171          (b) authorize designees to perform appropriate responsibilities.
             172          [(5)] (4) (a) The executive director has no jurisdiction over the Workforce Appeals
             173      Board except as provided in Subsection [(5)] (4)(b).
             174          (b) The executive director shall:
             175          (i) approve the budget of the Workforce Appeals Board;
             176          (ii) provide the necessary staff support to the Workforce Appeals Board; and
             177          (iii) make rules necessary for the operations of the Workforce Appeals Board and the
             178      efficiency of the adjudicative process as a whole in accordance with Section 35A-1-303 .
             179          [(6)] (5) To facilitate management of the department, the executive director may
             180      establish offices necessary to implement this title or to perform functions such as budgeting,
             181      planning, data processing, and personnel administration.
             182          Section 5. Section 35A-1-206 is amended to read:


             183           35A-1-206. State Council on Workforce Services -- Appointment -- Membership
             184      -- Terms of members -- Compensation.
             185          (1) There is created a State Council on Workforce Services that shall:
             186          (a) perform the activities described in Subsection (8);
             187          (b) advise on issues requested by the department and the Legislature; and
             188          (c) make recommendations to the department regarding:
             189          (i) the implementation of Chapters 2, [Regional Workforce Services] Economic
             190      Service Areas, 3, Employment Support Act, and 5, Training and Workforce Improvement Act;
             191      and
             192          (ii) the coordination of apprenticeship training.
             193          (2) (a) The council shall consist of the following voting members:
             194          [(i) each chair of a regional workforce services council appointed under Section
             195      35A-2-103 ;]
             196          (i) a private sector representative from each economic service area as designated by the
             197      economic service area director;
             198          (ii) the superintendent of public instruction or the superintendent's designee;
             199          (iii) the commissioner of higher education or the commissioner's designee; and
             200          (iv) the following members appointed by the governor in consultation with the
             201      executive director:
             202          (A) four representatives of small employers as defined by rule by the department;
             203          (B) four representatives of large employers as defined by rule by the department;
             204          (C) four representatives of employees or employee organizations, including at least one
             205      representative from nominees suggested by public employees organizations;
             206          (D) two representatives of the clients served under this title including
             207      community-based organizations;
             208          (E) a representative of veterans in the state; [and]
             209          (F) the executive director of the Utah State Office of Rehabilitation[.]; and
             210          (G) the Applied Technology College president.
             211          (b) The following shall serve as nonvoting ex officio members of the council:
             212          (i) the executive director or the executive director's designee;
             213          (ii) a legislator appointed by the governor from nominations of the speaker of the


             214      House of Representatives and president of the Senate;
             215          (iii) the executive director of the Department of Human Services;
             216          (iv) the director of the Governor's Office of Economic Development or the director's
             217      designee; and
             218          (v) the executive director of the Department of Health.
             219          (3) (a) The governor shall appoint one nongovernmental member from the council [to
             220      be] as the chair of the council.
             221          (b) The chair shall serve at the pleasure of the governor.
             222          (4) (a) A member appointed by the governor shall serve a term of four years and may
             223      be reappointed to one additional term.
             224          (b) A member shall continue to serve until the member's successor has been appointed
             225      and qualified.
             226          (c) Except as provided in Subsection (4)(d), as terms of council members expire, the
             227      governor shall appoint each new member or reappointed member to a four-year term.
             228          (d) Notwithstanding the requirements of Subsection (4)(c), the governor shall, at the
             229      time of appointment or reappointment, adjust the length of terms to ensure that the terms of
             230      council members are staggered so that approximately one half of the council is appointed every
             231      two years.
             232          (e) When a vacancy occurs in the membership for any reason, the replacement shall be
             233      appointed for the unexpired term.
             234          (5) A majority of the voting members constitutes a quorum for the transaction of
             235      business.
             236          (6) A member may not receive compensation or benefits for the member's service, but
             237      may receive per diem and travel expenses in accordance with:
             238          (a) Section 63A-3-106 ;
             239          (b) Section 63A-3-107 ; and
             240          (c) rules made by the Division of Finance pursuant to Sections 63A-3-106 and
             241      63A-3-107 .
             242          (7) The department shall provide staff and administrative support to the council at the
             243      direction of the executive director.
             244          (8) The council shall:


             245          (a) develop a state workforce services plan in accordance with Section 35A-1-207 ;
             246          (b) review [regional workforce services] economic service area plans to certify
             247      consistency with state policy guidelines;
             248          [(c) work cooperatively with regional councils on workforce services to oversee
             249      regional workforce services area operations and to ensure that services are being delivered in
             250      accordance with regional workforce services plans;]
             251          [(d) oversee the department's provision of technical assistance to the regional
             252      workforce services areas;]
             253          [(e) evaluate program performance, customer satisfaction, and other indicators to
             254      identify program strengths and weaknesses;]
             255          [(f) based on the evaluation conducted under Subsection (8)(e) develop plans to
             256      improve program outcomes;]
             257          [(g)] (c) improve the understanding and visibility of state workforce services efforts
             258      through external and internal marketing strategies;
             259          [(h)] (d) make an annual report of accomplishments to the governor and the Legislature
             260      related to the activities of the department;
             261          [(i)] (e) issue other studies, reports, or documents the council considers advisable that
             262      are not required under Subsection (8)[(h)](d);
             263          [(j)] (f) coordinate the planning and delivery of workforce development services with
             264      public education, higher education, vocational rehabilitation, and human services; and
             265          [(k)] (g) perform other responsibilities within the scope of workforce services as
             266      requested by:
             267          (i) the Legislature;
             268          (ii) the governor; or
             269          (iii) the executive director.
             270          Section 6. Section 35A-1-207 is amended to read:
             271           35A-1-207. State workforce services plan -- Economic service area plans.
             272          (1) The State Council on Workforce Services shall annually develop a state workforce
             273      services plan that shall include:
             274          (a) projected analysis of the workforce needs of employers and clients;
             275          (b) policy standards in programs and process when required by statute or considered


             276      necessary by the council that ensure statewide program consistency among [regional workforce
             277      services] economic service areas;
             278          (c) state outcome-based standards for measuring program performance to ensure
             279      equitable service to all clients;
             280          (d) state oversight systems to review [regional] economic service area compliance with
             281      state policies;
             282          (e) elements of [regional workforce services] economic service area plans that relate to
             283      statewide initiatives and programs;
             284          (f) strategies to ensure program responsiveness, universal access, unified case
             285      management;
             286          (g) strategies to eliminate unnecessary barriers to access services; and
             287          (h) strategies to provide assistance to employees facing employment dislocation and
             288      their employers.
             289          (2) (a) [Regional councils on workforce services] Economic service area directors shall
             290      annually develop [a regional workforce services] an economic service area plan to be followed
             291      [by the regional director] in administering services.
             292          (b) The plan shall include:
             293          [(a)] (i) a projected analysis of the [regional] economic service area workforce needs of
             294      employers and clients;
             295          [(b)] (ii) assurances that state policy standards will be incorporated into the [regional
             296      workforce services] economic service area design;
             297          [(c) a regional] (iii) an economic service area budget outlining administration and
             298      customer support and services expenditures;
             299          [(d)] (iv) the location of employment centers and staff levels to deliver services;
             300          [(e)] (v) the services to be provided including assessment and support services, job
             301      training options, job placement, and employer outreach;
             302          [(f)] (vi) identification of targeted occupations for which training will be approved;
             303          [(g) regional] (vii) economic service area outcome-based performance standards that
             304      ensure equitable services to all clients;
             305          [(h) regional] (viii) economic service area oversight processes that include a process to
             306      evaluate program effectiveness and develop plans to improve programs;


             307          [(i)] (ix) internal and external marketing strategies to improve the understanding and
             308      visibility of [regional workforce service] economic service area efforts;
             309          [(j)] (x) coordination of apprenticeship training; and
             310          [(k)] (xi) strategies to provide assistance to employees facing employment dislocation
             311      and their employers.
             312          [(3) For purposes of this section, outcome measures shall:]
             313          [(a) be based on:]
             314          [(i) clients;]
             315          [(ii) quality of service; and]
             316          [(iii) successful resolution of issues that result in long-term employment for potential
             317      employees and a qualified workforce for employers; and]
             318          [(b) include:]
             319          [(i) unemployment rates;]
             320          [(ii) placement rates;]
             321          [(iii) number of employees placed that are still employed after 12 months; and]
             322          [(iv) changes in participation in employment assistance programs.]
             323          [(4) In targeting occupations under Subsection (2)(f), the council shall consider:]
             324          [(a) wages;]
             325          [(b) benefits;]
             326          [(c) the full range of potential employee or employer needs;]
             327          [(d) economic development initiatives; and]
             328          [(e) any other issues the council considers appropriate.]
             329          Section 7. Section 35A-2-101 is amended to read:
             330     
CHAPTER 2. ECONOMIC SERVICE AREAS

             331           35A-2-101. Economic service areas -- Creation.
             332          (1) (a) The executive director [jointly with the Utah Association of Counties] shall
             333      establish [regional workforce services] economic service areas to furnish the services described
             334      in Section 35A-2-201 .
             335          (b) In establishing [regional workforce services] economic service areas, the executive
             336      director [and the Utah Association of Counties] shall seek input from:
             337          (i) state and local government agencies and departments;


             338          (ii) the groups representing public employees;
             339          (iii) employers, business, education, and other entities affected by the structure of the
             340      [regional workforce services] economic service areas; and
             341          (iv) the general public.
             342          (2) In establishing the [regional workforce services] economic service areas, the
             343      executive director [and the Utah Association of Counties] shall consider:
             344          (a) areas comprised of multiple counties;
             345          (b) the alignment of transportation and other infrastructure or services;
             346          (c) the interdependence of the economy within a geographic area;
             347          (d) the ability to develop regional marketing and economic development programs;
             348          (e) the labor market areas;
             349          (f) the population of the area, as established in the most recent estimate by the Utah
             350      Population Estimates Committee;
             351          (g) the number of individuals in the previous year receiving:
             352          (i) services under Chapter 3, Employment Support Act; and
             353          (ii) benefits under Chapter 4, Employment Security Act; and
             354          (h) other factors that relate to the management of the programs administered or that
             355      relate to the delivery of services provided under this title.
             356          Section 8. Section 35A-2-102 is amended to read:
             357           35A-2-102. Directors of economic service areas -- Appointment.
             358          (1) The chief officer of each [regional workforce services] economic service area shall
             359      be a director, who [shall serve] serves as the executive and administrative head of the [regional
             360      workforce services] economic service area.
             361          (2) A director:
             362          (a) shall be appointed [jointly] by the executive director [and all regional councils on
             363      workforce services established in the regional workforce services area under Section
             364      35A-2-103 ]; and
             365          (b) may be removed from that position at the will of the executive director.
             366          (3) [A] An economic service director [of a regional workforce services area] shall be
             367      experienced in administration and possess [such] additional qualifications as determined by the
             368      executive director, and as provided by law.


             369          (4) The director shall[: (a)] report [annually to all regional councils on workforce
             370      services established in the regional workforce services area under Section 35A-2-103
             371      concerning] on a regular basis to the State Council on Workforce Services on the delivery of
             372      services in the [regional workforce services] economic service area[; and].
             373          [(b) work with the council established in the regional workforce services area under
             374      Section 35A-2-103 in developing the regional plan as outlined in Subsection 35A-1-207 (2)
             375      on:]
             376          [(i) regional planning priorities;]
             377          [(ii) training priorities; and]
             378          [(iii) locations of employment centers.]
             379          Section 9. Section 35A-2-103 is amended to read:
             380           35A-2-103. Advisory groups -- Creation.
             381          (1) The [executive] economic service area director [shall jointly with all of the
             382      consortium of counties in the regional workforce services area,] may establish one or more
             383      [regional councils on workforce services] advisory groups in each [regional workforce
             384      services] economic service area.
             385          (2) An advisory group established under Subsection (1) shall advise the economic
             386      service area director as needed on:
             387          (a) the economic service area's planning priorities;
             388          (b) training priorities; and
             389          (c) development of the economic service area plan.
             390          [(2) A regional council on workforce services shall:]
             391          [(a) perform the functions described in Subsection (10);]
             392          [(b) work with the regional director, the department, the consortium of counties, and
             393      the State Council on Workforce Services on issues requested by the director of the regional
             394      workforce services area or the department; and]
             395          [(c) make recommendations to the regional workforce services area and department
             396      regarding:]
             397          [(i) the implementation of Chapters 2, Regional Workforce Services Areas, 3,
             398      Employment Support Act, and 5, Training and Workforce Improvement Act; and]
             399          [(ii) coordination of apprenticeship training.]


             400          [(3) Unless otherwise specified in this Subsection (3), members of a regional council
             401      on workforce services shall be appointed by the consortium of counties that covers the same
             402      geographic area as the regional council in the regional workforce services area, in consultation
             403      with the regional director, and shall consist of the following:]
             404          [(a) the voting members who are:]
             405          [(i) eight representatives of private sector small employers as defined by rule by the
             406      department;]
             407          [(ii) eight representatives of private sector large employers as defined by rule by the
             408      department;]
             409          [(iii) two representatives of employees, including employee organizations and
             410      including at least one representative from nominees suggested by public employees
             411      organizations in the region;]
             412          [(iv) two representatives of clients, including community-based organizations;]
             413          [(v) one representative from organized labor not representing public employees;]
             414          [(vi) three representatives of county government consisting of county commissioners,
             415      county council members, county executives, or county mayors from the counties in the regional
             416      workforce services area;]
             417          [(vii) a representative of public education appointed jointly by the school district
             418      superintendents in the region;]
             419          [(viii) a representative of higher education appointed jointly by the presidents of the
             420      institutions of higher education in the region;]
             421          [(ix) a representative of veterans;]
             422          [(x) a representative of the Office of Rehabilitation; and]
             423          [(xi) an individual who works for or is a member of an economic development board
             424      or committee of the state or one of its political subdivisions; and]
             425          [(b) ex officio nonvoting members who are:]
             426          [(i) a representative of applied technology;]
             427          [(ii) a representative of the Department of Human Services; and]
             428          [(iii) a representative of the Department of Health.]
             429          [(4) The director of the regional workforce services area shall be a nonvoting ex officio
             430      member of the council and provide any necessary staff support for the council.]


             431          [(5) (a) The consortium of counties in the regional workforce services area that
             432      appoints the council shall, in consultation with the regional director, appoint a member of the
             433      council to be the chair of the council to serve no more than two one-year terms.]
             434          [(b) The chair shall be a representative of private sector employers.]
             435          [(6) (a) (i) Except as provided in Subsection (6)(a)(ii), as terms of council members
             436      expire, the consortium of counties in the regional workforce services area that appoints the
             437      council shall, in consultation with the regional director, appoint each new member or
             438      reappointed member to a four-year term.]
             439          [(ii) Notwithstanding the requirements of Subsection (6)(a)(i), the consortium of
             440      counties in the regional workforce services area that appoints the council shall, in consultation
             441      with the regional director, at the time of appointment or reappointment, adjust the length of
             442      terms to ensure that the terms of council members are staggered so that approximately one half
             443      of the council is appointed every two years.]
             444          [(iii) When a vacancy occurs in the membership for any reason, the replacement shall
             445      be appointed for the unexpired term.]
             446          [(b) At the expiration of the term of a council member or if a vacancy occurs on the
             447      council, the consortium of counties in the regional workforce services area shall appoint a
             448      replacement to the council, in consultation with the regional director.]
             449          [(c) A member shall continue to serve as a member until the member's successor has
             450      been appointed and qualified.]
             451          [(d) A member is eligible for reappointment.]
             452          [(e) The consortium of counties in the regional workforce services area that appoints
             453      the council shall appoint, in consultation with the regional director, an individual to replace a
             454      council member for the remainder of the term of the council member being replaced if the
             455      council member:]
             456          [(i) ceases to be representative as designated by the original appointment; or]
             457          [(ii) fails to attend three council meetings, if each of the three absences are not excused
             458      by the chair prior to or during the meeting.]
             459          [(7) (a) A majority of the voting members constitutes a quorum for the transaction of
             460      business.]
             461          [(b) Notwithstanding Subsection (7)(a), a majority of the private sector representatives


             462      shall be present for business to be transacted.]
             463          [(8) A member may not receive compensation or benefits for the member's service, but
             464      may receive per diem and travel expenses in accordance with:]
             465          [(a) Section 63A-3-106 ;]
             466          [(b) Section 63A-3-107 ; and]
             467          [(c) rules made by the Division of Finance pursuant to Sections 63A-3-106 and
             468      63A-3-107 .]
             469          [(9) The regional council shall annually provide the consortium of counties that
             470      appoints the council a written report that shall include the information concerning the elements
             471      of the regional plan described in Subsection 35A-2-102 (4)(b).]
             472          [(10) The regional councils on workforce services shall:]
             473          [(a) determine the locations of employment centers in accordance with Section
             474      35A-2-203 ;]
             475          [(b) develop a regional workforce services plan in accordance with Section
             476      35A-1-207 ;]
             477          [(c) develop training priorities for the region;]
             478          [(d) work cooperatively with the State Council on Workforce Services to oversee
             479      regional workforce services areas operations and to ensure that services are being delivered in
             480      accordance with regional workforce services plans;]
             481          [(e) address concerns within the regional workforce services area related to
             482      apprenticeship training coordination;]
             483          [(f) coordinate the planning and delivery of workforce development services with
             484      public education, higher education, vocational rehabilitation, and human services; and]
             485          [(g) report annually to the State Council on Workforce Services.]
             486          Section 10. Section 35A-2-201 is amended to read:
             487           35A-2-201. Services provided in economic service areas.
             488          (1) [Regional workforce services] Economic service areas shall:
             489          (a) through [its] their employment centers, be the primary provider of services and
             490      support under Chapter 3, Employment Support Act;
             491          (b) broker or contract for services or training under Chapter 5, Training and Workforce
             492      Improvement Act; and


             493          (c) serve as [a regional clearinghouse] economic service area clearinghouses of
             494      information concerning workforce development and services and support available under this
             495      title.
             496          (2) (a) In providing, brokering, or contracting for the services or training described in
             497      Subsection (1)(b), the [regional] economic service area director [of a regional workforce
             498      services area], in consultation with the executive director, shall ensure that the [regional
             499      workforce services] economic service area provides, brokers, or contracts for services and
             500      training that [meets] meet the needs of the special needs population in the [regional workforce
             501      services] economic service area.
             502          (b) For purposes of Subsection (2)(a), "special needs population" means individuals
             503      who have special employment needs based on factors including race, gender, age, disability,
             504      economic status, education, language skills, and work history.
             505          Section 11. Section 35A-2-202 is amended to read:
             506           35A-2-202. Employment counselors -- Specialization -- Employment plan.
             507          (1) [At] One or more employment counselors shall be employed at each employment
             508      center of [a regional workforce services] an economic service area established under Section
             509      35A-2-101 [there shall be employed one or more employment counselors].
             510          (2) A client shall be assigned one employment counselor unless a client:
             511          (a) needs only limited services under this title for which expedited procedures are
             512      appropriate; or
             513          (b) receives diversion assistance under Section 35A-3-303 .
             514          (3) An employment counselor shall:
             515          (a) develop an employment plan jointly with the client; and
             516          (b) coordinate any services provided, brokered, or contracted for by the department to
             517      that client.
             518          (4) The employment counselor assigned to a client may be selected because of the
             519      employment counselor's experience or knowledge in the benefits or services available under the
             520      title that best meet the specific needs of the client and the employment counselor's skills in
             521      working with groups of clients to develop plans leading to self-sufficiency.
             522          (5) (a) An employment counselor shall be:
             523          (i) trained in the requirements of and benefits or services provided through


             524      employment centers in at least one of the following:
             525          (A) Chapter 3, Employment Support Act; and
             526          (B) Chapter 5, Training and Workforce Improvement Act;
             527          (ii) capable of:
             528          (A) conducting an effective assessment;
             529          (B) negotiating an employment plan; and
             530          (C) providing the necessary encouragement and support to a client; and
             531          (iii) knowledgeable of:
             532          (A) department policies;
             533          (B) relevant law;
             534          (C) current labor market conditions;
             535          (D) education and training programs for adults; and
             536          (E) services and supports available in the community.
             537          (b) At the discretion of the director of [a regional workforce services] an economic
             538      service area, an employment counselor may receive special training in the requirements of or
             539      providing services under the statutes listed in Subsection (5)(a)(i).
             540          (6) (a) A client employment plan may include:
             541          (i) services and support necessary for stabilization;
             542          (ii) assessment and training; and
             543          (iii) placement.
             544          (b) The client employment plan shall consider the job opportunities available to the
             545      client based on the job market.
             546          (c) The client employment plan shall be outcome-focused.
             547          (7) If a client seeks cash assistance under Chapter 3, Employment Support Act, the
             548      assignment of an employment counselor and the creation and implementation of an
             549      employment plan shall be consistent with Section 35A-3-304 .
             550          Section 12. Section 35A-2-203 is amended to read:
             551           35A-2-203. Employment centers.
             552          (1) In each county within [a regional workforce services] an economic service area, the
             553      [regional council on workforce services] executive director shall:
             554          (a) designate the location of one or more employment centers, as defined in Section


             555      35A-1-102 , in which the services are provided by the department; or
             556          (b) coordinate with the department to establish access to the services provided by the
             557      department by means other than an employment center.
             558          (2) An employment center shall provide a comprehensive program of employment
             559      services including job placement, job development, stabilization, assessment, and job training
             560      through its employment counselors as part of a system of unified case management.
             561          (3) The department may make services that are provided through employment centers
             562      under this section accessible through electronic linkage.
             563          Section 13. Section 35A-3-115 is amended to read:
             564           35A-3-115. Public Employment Offices -- Agreements with other authorities --
             565      Federal system accepted -- Appropriation.
             566          (1) (a) The division shall establish and maintain free public employment offices in a
             567      manner and in [such] places as may be necessary for the proper administration of this chapter
             568      and for the purposes of performing the functions as are within the purview of the Act of
             569      Congress entitled "An act to provide for the establishment of a national employment system
             570      and for co-operation with the states in the promotion of such system, and for other purposes,"
             571      approved June 6, 1933, 48 Stat. 113; U. S. Code, Title 29, Section 49 (c) as amended,
             572      hereinafter referred to as the "Wagner-Peyser Act."
             573          (b) The division shall consult with [regional councils on workforce services] the
             574      directors of economic service areas when determining the location of public employment
             575      offices.
             576          (c) [A] The division may locate a public employment office [may be located] in
             577      connection with or as an integrated part of an employment center established under Section
             578      35A-2-203 .
             579          (2) (a) The provisions of the Wagner-Peyser Act, 29 U.S.C. 49-49c, 49g, 49h, 49k, and
             580      557, are accepted by this state.
             581          (b) The department is designated and constitutes the agency of this state for the
             582      purposes of the act.
             583          (3) (a) For the purpose of establishing and maintaining free public employment offices,
             584      and promoting the use of their facilities, the division may enter into agreements with the
             585      railroad retirement board, or any other agency of the United States, or of this or any other state,


             586      charged with the administration of any law whose purposes are reasonably related to the
             587      purposes of this chapter.
             588          (b) As a part of an agreement entered into under Subsection (3)(a), the division may
             589      accept money, services, or quarters as a contribution to the maintenance of the state system of
             590      public employment offices or as reimbursement for services performed.




Legislative Review Note
    as of 11-17-10 2:56 PM


Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel


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