HB344 Alabama 2024 Session

Updated Feb 23, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Danny GarrettRepresentative
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2024
Title: Alabama Workforce Transformation Act FY24 Regular Session
Summary: HB344 would consolidate Alabama's workforce programs under a new Alabama Department of Workforce, create a state and seven regional workforce boards, and repeal existing workforce councils.
What This Bill Does
The bill renames the Department of Labor to the Department of Workforce and changes the head’s title to Secretary of Workforce. It moves many state and federal workforce programs, staff, and assets from the Department of Commerce to the new department and reorganizes related divisions. It establishes the Alabama Workforce Board as the State Workforce Development Board and seven regional workforce boards to guide workforce development, while repealing the current Alabama Workforce Council and Regional Workforce Development Councils. It requires a strategic plan and coordinated budgeting aligned with the federal WIOA framework, with full implementation targeted by October 1, 2025 and the act becoming effective on October 1, 2024.

Who It Affects
State agencies and staff: The Department of Labor would be renamed the Department of Workforce, with a new Secretary of Workforce and rearranged divisions; many workforce programs, staff, and assets would transfer from the Department of Commerce to the new department.
Businesses, workers, and communities: Local and state workforce services would be coordinated by seven regional boards and a central Workforce Pathways Division, aiming to streamline access to training, employment services, and related programs for job seekers and employers.

Key Provisions
Renames the Alabama Department of Labor to the Alabama Department of Workforce and changes the head’s title to Secretary of Workforce.
Transfers all state and federal workforce programs, staff, and assets from the Department of Commerce to the Department of Workforce.
Creates Chapter 15 of Title 25 establishing the Alabama Workforce Board as the State Workforce Development Board and seven regional workforce boards, with defined governance and meeting requirements.
Repeals Sections 41-29-290 through 41-29-297 and 41-29-300, which relate to the Alabama Workforce Council and Regional Workforce Development Councils.
Creates a Workforce Pathways Division within the new department to coordinate all workforce development functions and funding, including WIOA Title I, apprenticeship, STEM council, and related programs.
Renames and restructures the Department of Commerce into two divisions (Business Development Division and Alabama Industrial Development and Training Institute) and integrates AIDT under this framework.
Requires a four-year Strategic Work Plan and a WIOA State Plan, with annual addenda, overseen by an Executive Committee, and aligned budgeting and performance metrics.
Sets a timeline for full implementation not later than October 1, 2025 and establishes the act's effective date as October 1, 2024.
Directs code references to be updated to reflect the new department and board structures.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Administrative Law and Procedures