On February 6, 2024, Associate Policy Director Sarah Sample testified before the House Judiciary Committee in support of HB 597- Growing Apprenticeships and the Public Safety Workforce (GAPS) Act with amendments. This bill expands the purpose and scope of the Public Apprenticeship Program and invests in support services and workforce enhancements.
Local emergency services, fire, corrections, and law enforcement officials are the foundation of public safety. Broadening eligibility for funding from the Law Enforcement Cadet Apprenticeship Program to all agents of the public safety ecosystem sends an important message about how much governments and communities value these roles. This is a resource that local law enforcement, detention centers, and fire safety divisions can use to rebuild a qualified and enthusiastic pipeline of new employees.
County amendments to HB 597, generally, are to include local and state corrections officers among the membership of the commission and the workgroup as well as in the charge of tasks therein. There is a great deal of crossover between the corrections and law enforcement workforces, which is why considering their needs together will make them both stronger independent agencies.
HB 597’s cross-file, SB 470, was heard of February 9, 2024 in the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee. Sarah Sample testified in support of this bill with amendments.
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