Bill · S. 922· Senate(119-S-922)
A bill to amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to define the term evidence-based.
- Introduced
- 3/10/2025
- Last activity
- 3/10/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- Sponsored by
- Jim Banks
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill proposes an amendment to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. It seeks to establish a formal definition for the term "evidence-based" regarding activities, services, strategies, interventions, or content. The definition includes requirements for statistical significance through experimental, quasi-experimental, or correlational studies, or a rationale based on high-quality research. Additionally, the bill updates how programs are described by requiring information on the extent to which activities are evidence-based. It also requires states to describe strategies for prioritizing the funding of these evidence-based programs.
Yes· 3 of 25
Does this make the government pay for what it commits to?+4
Requiring states to prioritize funding for proven, evidence-based programs promotes more responsible and effective use of federal workforce funds.
Is this likely to create jobs?+3
By prioritizing evidence-based workforce programs, the bill aims to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of job training and workforce development.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+3
The bill requires more detailed descriptions of how programs are evidence-based, increasing transparency in program efficacy.
The opposite
Does this leave more decisions to the states?-1
The strict federal definition of 'evidence-based' may constrain the autonomy of states in designing their own workforce strategies.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Requirement for Statistical Significance: The bill requires that "evidence-based" activities demonstrate a statistically significant effect on improving participant outcomes or other relevant outcomes (Section 1, subsection a). This ensures that services provided are proven to work through specific types of studies (Section 1, subsection a, paragraph A).
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Focus on Student and Participant Outcomes: The definition includes a rationale based on high-quality research likely to improve student outcomes or other relevant outcomes (Section 1, subsection a, paragraph B). This aims to ensure that interventions are effective for the people they serve.
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Prioritization of Proven Programs: The bill adds a requirement for states to describe how they will prioritize funding for evidence-based programs (Section 1, subsection b). This could lead to more effective use of funds for statewide workforce development activities.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Strict Evidence Standards: The bill defines "evidence-based" through specific requirements such as well-designed experimental, quasi-experimental, or correlational studies (Section 1, subsection a, paragraph A). These strict requirements might limit the types of services or strategies that can be officially classified as evidence-based.
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Ongoing Examination Requirements: To meet the definition, an activity or intervention must include ongoing efforts to examine its effects (Section 1, subsection a, paragraph B, clause ii). This adds an ongoing requirement to the implementation of services or content.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+2Good For Low Income Households+2Good For People With Disabilities+2Good For Veterans+2Good For Young Adults+2Good For African Americans+1Good For Asian Americans+1Good For Hispanic Americans+1Good For Immigrants+1Good For Men+1Good For Middle Aged+1Good For Middle Class Households+1Good For Native Americans+1Good For Rural Residents+1Good For Students+1Good For Urban Residents+1Good For White Americans+1Good For Women+1
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Fiscal Responsibility+4Increases Job Creation+3Improves Economic Growth+2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3Increases Federal Power+2Increase States Rights-1
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+2
- 3/10/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.