In this issue: - Comment Period Open for Proposed ITAR Regulations
- Colorado Workforce Legislation Pertinent to Advanced Industries
- Advanced Industry Grant Applications Due July 1
1. Proposed Changes to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) Export Controls for the Optics Industry Are Being Revised 60 day Comment Period Open Respond Now to Influence Changes that Impact the Optics & Photonics Industry The U.S. Department of State is seeking comment on a proposed rule updating the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), which controls the export and import of defense-related articles - specifically Category XII of the U.S. Munitions List. The proposed rule will also affect the Commerce Control List. Category XII includes optics, photonic laser commodities, and components. These changes are part of the Obama Administration's export control reform initiative. How to Get Up-to-date Information: Review the Proposed Rule Register for SPIE Webinar - May 12 (12:00 to 1:00 MDT) 2. Workforce Bills Specific to Advanced Industries Pass Colorado Legislature According to the Denver Business Journal, a host of workforce bills have passed the Colorado legislature. Some bills are targeted to advanced industry: - HB 1230, which pays as much as $5,000 per job to advanced-industry companies who bring in Colorado students for internships.
- HB 1270, which authorizes the creation of Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools that could graduate students with both high-school degrees and an associate's degree.
- HB 1275, which allows high schools to award credits to students that they can put toward apprenticeships in tech careers.
Read Denver Business Journal Article Read the Complete Ready-to-Work legislative package as introduced
3. Advanced Industries Accelerator Grant Program Applications Due July 1 The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade is accepting applications for the first grant cycle of the Advanced Industries Accelerator grant programs for fiscal year 2016. Online applications are being accepted for Proof of Concept grants and Early-Stage Capital & Retention grants. Apply On line Here | 