Small Business Workforce Pipeline Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- S. 3832
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Commerce
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-11: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-02T19:25:29Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Small Business Workforce Pipeline Act of 2026 aims to strengthen the support provided by Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) to small businesses by requiring them to offer guidance on workforce training programs, including apprenticeships. This helps small businesses build a skilled workforce pipeline through structured learning opportunities.
Key Provisions
- Amends Section 21(c)(3) of the Small Business Act to add a new requirement (subparagraph (W)) for SBDCs.
- SBDCs must provide information and assistance to small businesses on establishing and improving:
- Work-based learning: Hands-on training integrated with education, as defined in the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006.
- Registered apprenticeship programs: Structured training programs certified by the U.S. Department of Labor under the National Apprenticeship Act of 1937.
- Pre-apprenticeship programs: Introductory training that prepares individuals for full apprenticeships.
- Job training programs: General initiatives to develop employee skills.
- SBDCs will disseminate relevant information from the Department of Labor and other federal agencies to support these efforts.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Expands the list of mandatory services for SBDCs under the Small Business Act by adding the new subparagraph (W), which builds on existing requirements for business counseling and training.
- Includes minor technical adjustments, such as redesignating subparagraphs and updating punctuation, to integrate the new provision seamlessly into the law.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: The Small Business Administration (SBA), which oversees SBDCs, will need to incorporate this new service into operations, potentially increasing coordination with the Department of Labor for resource sharing.
- On citizens: Small business owners gain easier access to free advice on hiring and training skilled workers, which could reduce barriers to growth. Workers and job seekers may benefit from more apprenticeship and training opportunities created by small businesses.
- On international relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on domestic workforce development.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Small businesses: Primary beneficiaries, receiving targeted assistance to implement training programs and address labor shortages.
- SBDCs and SBA: Required to expand services, which may involve additional training for staff or resource allocation.
- Department of Labor and federal agencies: Involved in providing information to SBDCs, potentially enhancing inter-agency collaboration on workforce initiatives.
- Workers and trainees: Indirectly affected through increased access to apprenticeships and job training, supporting career development.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The amendment is straightforward and aligns with existing federal frameworks for apprenticeships and career education, without introducing new enforcement mechanisms or penalties. It promotes voluntary program adoption by small businesses.
- Constitutional: No apparent conflicts with constitutional principles, as it involves federal support for economic development under Congress's commerce powers.
- Political: Introduced bipartisanship (by Senators Rosen and Curtis), reflecting broad support for small business and workforce issues; could influence future funding debates for SBA programs.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-11: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
- 2026-02-11: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Small Business Workforce Pipeline Act of 2026 — issued 2026-02-11 — PDF (3 pages)