2014 -- S 2327

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LC003843

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2014

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO TAXATION - THE RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE INTERNSHIP TAX

CREDIT ACT

     Introduced By: Senators Gallo, and Lynch

     Date Introduced: February 12, 2014

     Referred To: Senate Finance

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Title 44 of the General Laws entitled "TAXATION" is hereby amended by

adding thereto the following chapter:

CHAPTER 69

THE RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE INTERNSHIP TAX CREDIT ACT

     44-69-1. Legislative purpose. -- The department of labor and training, in consultation

with the board of education, shall develop a statewide program for certified career-related

internship programs to be available to resident college-enrolled students and for residents who

have graduated from college in the preceding twenty-four (24) months. The department of labor

and training shall collaborate with the board of education to identify new and existing funding

sources that may be allocated to a "Rhode Island College Internship Tax Credit Program". Funds

allocated to this program may consist of federal, state and private grants and the availability of

these funds shall determine the amount of the tax credit for certified internships and shall be

capped at a level of funding available in the first year of the program. The department of labor

and training shall administer the Rhode Island College Internship Tax Credit Program, and

promulgate rules and regulations in connection therewith.

     44-69-2. Definitions. -- Whenever used in this chapter, unless the context requires

otherwise:

     (1) "Internship" means a learning experience working with an employer where the intern

may, but does not necessarily, receive academic credit, financial remuneration, a stipend or a

combination of the foregoing.

     44-69-3. Tax credit. -- (a) Tax credits hereunder may only be made to internships that do

the following:

     (1) Does not replace or supplant existing positions or violate union contracts;

     (2) Create workplace expectations and consequences;

     (3) Provide a process that measures progress towards mastery of skills, attitude, behavior

and a sense of responsibility required for success in the workplace;

     (4) Motivate and educate post-secondary students and recent graduates through work-

based opportunities with Rhode Island employers that are likely to lead to employment;

     (5) Include mechanisms that promote employer involvement with post-secondary

students and recent graduates, and reflect the curriculum and delivery of education at the

participating institution; and

     (6) Offer students a continuum of learning experiences and relationships with employers

that will make it financially possible and attractive for graduates to continue to work and live in

the state of Rhode Island.

     44-69-4. Department of labor and training responsibility. -- The department of labor

and training, in collaboration with the board of education, shall:

     (1) Collect data and establish program goals and quantifiable performance measures for

internship programs to be certified by the department of labor;

     (2) Engage appropriate state agencies and departments in the program in order to expand

internship opportunities with both government and entities that have been awarded state

contracts; and

     (3) Work with public and private entities to develop and enhance internship programs and

opportunities throughout the state.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO TAXATION - THE RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE INTERNSHIP TAX

CREDIT ACT

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     This act would create the Rhode Island College Internship Tax Credit Act.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC003843

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