Commons’ Bill Protecting Work-Based Learning Getting Vote

The House Insurance Committee passed State Rep. Matt Commons’ (R-Williamsport) legislationclarifying responsibilities inwork-based learning opportunities and extending protections for participating students. 

“Work-based learning is one of the best ways for students to kickstart their careers and gain new skills,” Commons said. “This legislation ensures intermediaries and employers have clearly defined agreements in offering these opportunities, and students have similar protections as full time employees.”

In 2023, the Indiana General Assembly passed new Indiana high school diploma requirements, providing students with the opportunity to complete work-based learning hours as an option for graduation. House Bill 1098 would continue the goal of experiential learning by requiring formal agreements for participating entities to define their duties when offering work-based learning and ensuring students are entitled to workers’ compensation. Commons’ bill would also prohibit insurers from using a student’s age for rating decisions and require they be based on objective criteria that’s uniformly applied.

House Bill 1098 now moves to the House floor for consideration. To learn more and follow session, visit iga.in.gov.

Commons represents House District 13, which includes all of Benton and Warren counties, and portions of Fountain, Jasper, Montgomery, Newton, Tippecanoe and White counties.