Sec. 5.5. (a) This section applies to a grant initially awarded under this chapter after June 30, 2019.

     (b) Eligibility for a grant from the skills enhancement fund under this chapter is limited to cooperative arrangements or agreements that lead to:

(1) for a participating employee that is a new hire, a postsecondary credential, a nationally recognized industry credential, or specialized company training; or

(2) for a participating employee that is an existing worker:

(A) a postsecondary credential, a nationally recognized industry credential, or specialized company training; and

(B) an increase of wages.

An increase of wages with a participating employee or group of participating employees negotiated by agreement, regardless of timing, qualifies as an increase of wages for purposes of subdivision (2)(B).

As added by P.L.143-2019, SEC.10. Amended by P.L.18-2020, SEC.1.