1. (a)

   1. (1) There is a Talent Innovation Program in the Department.
   2. (2) The Division and the Board shall jointly administer the Program.

   3. (3) The purpose of the Program is to increase access to high-quality job training by using innovative and sustainable talent financing mechanisms to help meet skill needs in the State's prominent and emerging industry sectors, including:

      1. (i) cybersecurity;
      2. (ii) health care;
      3. (iii) biotechnology;
      4. (iv) manufacturing; and
      5. (v) artificial intelligence.
2. (b) The Program may conduct pilots, convene key stakeholders, and conduct research to develop and support new talent financing approaches.
3. (c) The Program shall establish an initial pilot program that focuses on the cybersecurity sector by supporting job training through expansion of regional cyber ranges, which is a recognized method for developing talent and meeting the skill needs of the cybersecurity industry.

Added by Acts 2024, c. 421, § 1, eff. July 1, 2024.