Pennsylvania establishes grant program and fund for sustainability employers hiring veteran apprentices under HB 894

Original title: An Act establishing the Veterans Entering the Sustainability Sector Program and the Veterans Entering the Sustainability Sector Fund; and imposing duties on the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Community and Economic Development, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

Last action · March 13, 2025: Referred to LABOR AND INDUSTRY, March 13, 2025Sponsors: Joe Webster and 39 others

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What This Bill Would Do

Pennsylvania House Bill 894 establishes the Veterans Entering the Program and Fund, requiring the Department of Community and Economic Development to award grants to eligible renewable energy employers who hire veterans with . Beginning no later than 180 days after the effective date, employers may apply for grants, and the department must approve or deny applications within 60 days.

Why it matters

Eligible employers who receive grants must sign a contract committing to retain the veteran employee for at least two years, with partial or full grant repayments required if the employee leaves early or the employer ceases to meet eligibility criteria.

Who It Would Affect

Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Veterans

Veterans with apprenticeship training receive opportunities to enter the workforce in the sustainability sector and be prioritized for hiring.

Directly affected

Sustainability Sector Employers

Eligible employers who hire veteran apprentices can apply for grants but must commit to retaining them for two years under contract terms.

Directly affected

Department of Community and Economic Development

The department is tasked with administering the program, reviewing applications, distributing grants, and submitting annual reports.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifies an employer to receive a VETSS grant?

An eligible employer must operate in the , devote the majority of its financial resources to renewable energy development and operation, and hire a veteran with recognized .

What happens if a hired veteran leaves the employer before the two-year requirement is met?

The employer is in breach of contract and must repay 100% of the grant if the veteran was employed for less than one year, or 50% of the grant if employed for at least one year but less than two years, alongside reasonable costs and attorney fees.

How is the program funded?

Funding consists of appropriations by the General Assembly, as well as alternative funding such as Federal money, grants, donations, and gifts solicited or accepted by the department.

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Where This Stands

Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.

Procedural history

1 action

Mar 13, 2025HouseCommittee
Referred to LABOR AND INDUSTRY, March 13, 2025

Version history

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