Informing the Legislature that on July 1, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB430 HD2 SD2 CD1 (ACT 251).

This law, Act 251, creates a state-funded internship program allowing high school and college students to gain work experience through private-sector employers in high-demand fields like construction. The Department of Labor will reimburse private employers up to $20 per hour for training and supervision costs, with internships limited to 12 weeks for college students and six weeks for high school students. It also establishes a separate state internship program to place students in public sector jobs through the Department of Labor and Department of Human Resources Development. The policy aims to expand workforce opportunities, address industry shortages, and build pathways to careers in both private and public sectors.