In the nature of a substitute.

SA 1254. Mr. PETERS proposed an amendment to the bill S. 760, to
enable registered apprenticeship programs to better serve veterans, and
for other purposes; as follows:

[[Page S6861]]

Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the
following:

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Support for Veterans in
Effective Apprenticeships Act of 2019''.

SEC. 2. IMPROVED APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM COORDINATION BETWEEN
THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND THE DEPARTMENT OF
VETERANS AFFAIRS.

(a) Definitions.--In this Act:
(1) Registered apprenticeship program.--The term
``registered apprenticeship program'' means an apprenticeship
program registered under the Act of August 16, 1937 (50 Stat.
664; commonly referred to as the ``National Apprenticeship
Act'').
(2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Labor.
(b) Additional Registered Apprenticeship Program
Requirements.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law,
for any program applying to become a registered
apprenticeship program on or after the date that is 180 days
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary
shall--
(1) acquire from the program sponsor a written assurance
that the sponsor--
(A) is aware of the availability of educational assistance
for a veteran or other individual eligible under chapters 30
through 36 of title 38, United States Code, for use in
connection with a registered apprenticeship program;
(B) will make a good faith effort to obtain approval for
educational assistance described in subparagraph (A) for, at
a minimum, each program location that employs or recruits a
veteran or other individual eligible for educational
assistance under chapters 30 through 36 of title 38, United
States Code; and
(C) will not deny the application of a qualified candidate
who is a veteran or other individual eligible for educational
assistance described in subparagraph (A) for the purpose of
avoiding making a good faith effort to obtain approval as
described in subparagraph (B);
(2) in accordance with paragraphs (5) and (12) of section
29.5(b) of title 29, Code of Federal Regulations (as in
effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act),
require the program sponsor, to the extent practicable, to
provide standards that contain provisions to grant advanced
standing or credit, and provide increased wages commensurate
to such standing or credit, for any veteran or other
individual eligible for educational assistance under chapters
30 through 36 of title 38, United States Code, who--
(A) is enrolled in the registered apprenticeship program;
and
(B)(i) has a demonstrated competence applicable to the
apprenticeship occupation; or
(ii) has acquired experience, training, or skills through
military service that is applicable to the apprenticeship
occupation; and
(3) when the Secretary approves the registered
apprenticeship program, provide a copy of the program's
certificate of registration to the State approving agency
designated under chapter 36 of title 38, United States Code,
in the State where the program is located.

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