(1) As used in this section: (a) "Association of governments" means an association of political subdivisions established pursuant to an interlocal agreement under Title 11, Chapter 13, Interlocal Cooperation Act. (b) "Program" means the program administered by Utah State University in accordance with this section. (c) "Remote online opportunity" means employment, including freelance employment, or the operation of an online business for which an individual: (i) can complete duties primarily online; and (ii) is not required to work from a specific geographic location. (2) (a) Subject to legislative appropriations, Utah State University, through a county extension office, shall administer a program that helps individuals who live in rural areas access remote online opportunities. (b) In administering the program, Utah State University shall consider input from a county located in a geographic area selected for the program under Subsection (4). (3) Utah State University shall, as part of the program: (a) provide training modules to adults and high school students; (b) coordinate with rural high schools and postsecondary institutions; (c) develop marketing materials; (d) develop relationships with information technology companies that offer remote online opportunities; (e) partner with websites that list freelance remote online opportunities; (f) provide scholarships for individuals who live in rural areas to access online skill-based training for remote online opportunities; (g) provide one-on-one coaching for an individual who pursues a remote online opportunity; and (h) conduct other activities related to remote online opportunities as determined by Utah State University. (4) (a) Utah State University shall administer the program: (i) in at least one geographic area in the state initially; and (ii) in additional geographic areas if resources allow. (b) In determining where to initially administer the program, Utah State University shall consider whether counties in a geographic area: (i) are primarily rural or have remote rural areas; (ii) face high unemployment rates; (iii) have access to high speed Internet; (iv) have a large percentage of high school graduates leave the geographic area after graduating from high school; and (v) are members of an association of governments that supports helping individuals who live in rural areas access remote online opportunities. (5) On or before November 1, 2020, and on or before November 1 every third year thereafter, Utah State University shall report to the Economic Development and Workforce Services Interim Committee on: (a) the number of individuals who receive training through the program; (b) the number and percentage of individuals who participate in the program and access a remote online opportunity; and (c) whether there is a reduction in the unemployment rate in a geographic area included in the program. Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1
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