House Bill No. 5607
A bill to create a nuclear and hydrogen graduate attraction and retention program to award grants to certain graduates of a postsecondary school who are employed in this state at a qualified electric generation facility after graduation.
Definitions
- Date of graduation: The date an individual graduates from a postsecondary school.
- Department: Refers to the department of labor and economic opportunity.
- Fund: Refers to the nuclear and hydrogen graduate attraction and retention program fund.
- Postsecondary school: Any college, university, junior college, community college, or technical school that grants degrees or certificates.
- Program: The nuclear and hydrogen graduate attraction and retention program.
- Program participant: A qualified individual who is accepted into the program.
- Qualified education program: An instructional program that supports the nuclear or hydrogen industry, including skilled craft or engineering programs related to electricity generation facilities powered by nuclear or hydrogen energy.
- Qualified electric generation facility: An electricity generation facility regulated by the public service commission that uses nuclear or hydrogen technology.
- Qualified individual: An individual who graduates from a qualified education program and accepts employment at a qualified electric generation facility in this state.
The Program
The department of labor and economic opportunity will create and administer the nuclear and hydrogen graduate attraction and retention program. Qualified individuals who apply within 12 months after graduation may receive annual payments for a period of 3 years. However, if they cease employment at a qualified electric generation facility, they will no longer be eligible for the payments.
Repayment and Penalties
If a program participant receives a payment they are not entitled to, they must repay it to the department. Failure to repay may result in legal action and penalties. Providing false information to the department is also considered a misdemeanor and may result in imprisonment or fines.
Funds and Expenditures
The nuclear and hydrogen graduate attraction and retention program fund will be created in the state treasury. Money received from repayments and other sources will be deposited in the fund. The department will oversee the fund and use the money for program administration, grant awards, and enforcement. At the end of the fiscal year, any remaining funds will stay in the fund.
Reporting
Each year, the department will submit a report on the program's status, including the number of program participants, their completion rates, and the breakdown of participants by industry. This report will be sent to relevant committees and fiscal agencies.
Effective Date
This bill will only take effect if other bills related to the same legislative session are also enacted into law.