Broadband Industry Development Act

HR 7291, the Broadband Industry Development Act, creates competitive grants under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to fund training programs preparing workers for careers in the broadband industry. Eligible entities - including community colleges, labor organizations, nonprofits, and industry groups - can apply for grants to offer pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs. Grantees must provide 25% of the grant amount in non-Federal funds (cash or in-kind) and the bill specifies that no new federal funding is authorized - existing Department of Labor appropriations will cover these grants. The law directly affects workers seeking broadband industry jobs and the organizations delivering their training.