U.S. Rep. Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-PA) on March 27 unveiled legislation that would amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to clarify the procedures regarding the eligibility of online providers of federal training services.
“Individuals looking to better themselves through federal workforce training programs should have access to high-quality training programs, no matter how they are provided,” Rep. Smucker said. “In the 21st Century we cannot allow outdated and arbitrary regulations to prevent Americans from developing new skills, seek new opportunities, and live their American Dream.”
H.R. 2465, which is cosponsored by U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA), aims to make federal workforce development programs more accessible to individuals seeking flexible online training and upskilling opportunities, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Smucker’s staff.
If enacted, H.R. 2465 would allow online training providers to qualify as eligible training providers under federal workforce development programs funded by WIOA, require them to meet the same quality standards as in-person programs, and would remove state-level barriers, allowing qualified online training programs to serve students nationwide.
Although WIOA does not explicitly exclude online providers, many states currently require a physical presence for eligibility — effectively limiting access to online training options, the summary says.
The measure is under consideration in the U.S. House Education and Workforce Committee.