Committee advances bill to create state internship coordinator at DHRM

Delegate Sullivan told the subcommittee HB 54 would institutionalize the COVID-era COVA Internship Connection Program by creating a state government internship coordinator position at the Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM). The patron said the change would increase marketing of state internships, improve agency coordination, strengthen university connections and improve data collection, and that no new money is required because the position would be funded from existing internship-related state funds.

Supporters included Carter T. Whitelow of the Virginia Governmental Employees Association, who cited workforce demographics and argued stronger internship pathways would help recruit younger workers into state service. Kate Slayton, representing Virginia 21 students, and Sabina Moretz of the Council of Independent Colleges of Virginia also testified in favor, saying the change would help students find placements and broaden the pipeline beyond political-science majors.

Tate Jordan of the Virginia Young Democrats Disability Caucus testified online in support, urging the subcommittee to help increase internship access for students with disabilities. The subcommittee voted to report HB 54; the clerk recorded the bill as recommended for reporting by a vote of 7 to 1.