---
kind: "section"
citation: "29 U.S.C. § 3112"
title: "29"
title_heading: "Labor"
number: "3112"
heading: "Unified State plan"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/29/3112"
units:
  - "Chapter 32 — Workforce Innovation and Opportunity"
  - "Subchapter I — Workforce Development Activities"
  - "Part A — System Alignment"
  - "Subpart 1 — state provisions"
---

# §3112. Unified State plan

- (a) **Plan—** For a [State](/usc/29/3102.md?p=56) to be eligible to receive allotments for the [core programs](/usc/29/3102.md?p=12), the [Governor](/usc/29/3102.md?p=22) shall submit to the Secretary of Labor for the approval process described under [subsection (c)(2)](#c-2), a unified [State plan](/usc/29/3102.md?p=58). The unified [State plan](/usc/29/3102.md?p=58) shall outline a 4-year strategy for the [core programs](/usc/29/3102.md?p=12) of the [State](/usc/29/3102.md?p=56) and meet the requirements of this section.
- (b) **Contents—**
  - (1) **Strategic planning elements—** The unified [State plan](/usc/29/3102.md?p=58) shall include strategic planning elements consisting of a strategic vision and goals for preparing an educated and skilled workforce, that include—
    - (A) an analysis of the economic conditions in the [State](/usc/29/3102.md?p=56), including—
      - (i) existing and emerging in-demand industry sectors and occupations; and
      - (ii) the employment needs of employers, including a description of the knowledge, skills, and abilities, needed in those industries and occupations;
    - (B) an analysis of the current workforce, employment and unemployment data, labor market trends, and the educational and skill levels of the workforce, including individuals with barriers to employment (including [individuals with disabilities](/usc/29/3102.md?p=25-B)), in the [State](/usc/29/3102.md?p=56);
    - (C) an analysis of the [workforce development activities](/usc/29/3102.md?p=65) (including education and training) in the [State](/usc/29/3102.md?p=56), including an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of such activities, and the capacity of [State](/usc/29/3102.md?p=56) entities to provide such activities, in order to address the identified education and skill needs of the workforce and the employment needs of employers in the [State](/usc/29/3102.md?p=56);
    - (D) a description of the [State](/usc/29/3102.md?p=56)’s strategic vision and goals for preparing an educated and skilled workforce (including preparing youth and individuals with barriers to employment) and for meeting the skilled workforce needs of employers, including goals relating to performance accountability measures based on primary indicators of performance described in [section 3141(b)(2)(A) of this title](/usc/29/3141.md?p=b-2-A), in order to support economic growth and economic self-sufficiency, and of how the [State](/usc/29/3102.md?p=56) will assess the overall effectiveness of the workforce investment system in the [State](/usc/29/3102.md?p=56); and
    - (E) taking into account analyses described in subparagraphs [(A)](#b-1-A) through [(C)](#b-1-C), a strategy for aligning the [core programs](/usc/29/3102.md?p=12), as well as other resources available to the [State](/usc/29/3102.md?p=56), to achieve the strategic vision and goals described in [subparagraph (D)](#b-1-D).
  - (2) **Operational planning elements—**
    - (A) **In general—** The unified [State plan](/usc/29/3102.md?p=58) shall include the operational planning elements contained in this paragraph, which shall support the strategy described in [paragraph (1)(E)](#b-1-E), including a description of how the [State board](/usc/29/3102.md?p=57) will implement the functions under [section 3111(d) of this title](/usc/29/3111.md?p=d).
    - (B) **Implementation of State strategy—** The unified [State plan](/usc/29/3102.md?p=58) shall describe how the lead [State](/usc/29/3102.md?p=56) agency with responsibility for the administration of a core program will implement the strategy described in [paragraph (1)(E)](#b-1-E), including a description of—
      - (i) the activities that will be funded by the entities carrying out the respective [core programs](/usc/29/3102.md?p=12) to implement the strategy and how such activities will be aligned across the programs and among the entities administering the programs, including using co-enrollment and other strategies;
      - (ii) how the activities described in [clause (i)](#b-2-B-i) will be aligned with activities provided under employment, training, education, including [career and technical education](/usc/29/3102.md?p=6), and human services programs not covered by the plan, as appropriate, assuring coordination of, and avoiding duplication among, the activities referred to in this clause;
      - (iii) how the entities carrying out the respective [core programs](/usc/29/3102.md?p=12) will coordinate activities and provide comprehensive, high-quality services including [supportive services](/usc/29/3102.md?p=59), to individuals;
      - (iv) how the [State](/usc/29/3102.md?p=56)’s strategy will engage the [State](/usc/29/3102.md?p=56)’s community colleges and [area career and technical education schools](/usc/29/3102.md?p=4) as partners in the [workforce development system](/usc/29/3102.md?p=67) and enable the [State](/usc/29/3102.md?p=56) to leverage other Federal, [State](/usc/29/3102.md?p=56), and local investments that have enhanced access to [workforce development programs](/usc/29/3102.md?p=66) at those institutions;
      - (v) how the activities described in [clause (i)](#b-2-B-i) will be coordinated with economic development strategies and activities in the [State](/usc/29/3102.md?p=56); and
      - (vi) how the [State](/usc/29/3102.md?p=56)’s strategy will improve access to activities leading to a [recognized postsecondary credential](/usc/29/3102.md?p=52) (including a credential that is an industry-recognized certificate or certification, portable, and stackable).
    - (C) **State operating systems and policies—** The unified [State plan](/usc/29/3102.md?p=58) shall describe the [State](/usc/29/3102.md?p=56) operating systems and policies that will support the implementation of the strategy described in [paragraph (1)(E)](#b-1-E), including a description of—
      - (i) the [State board](/usc/29/3102.md?p=57), including the activities to assist members of the [State board](/usc/29/3102.md?p=57) and the staff of such board in carrying out the functions of the [State board](/usc/29/3102.md?p=57) effectively (but funds for such activities may not be used for long-distance travel expenses for training or development activities available locally or regionally);
      - (ii)
        - (I) how the respective [core programs](/usc/29/3102.md?p=12) will be assessed each year, including an assessment of the quality, effectiveness, and improvement of programs (analyzed by [local area](/usc/29/3102.md?p=32), or by provider), based on [State](/usc/29/3102.md?p=56) performance accountability measures described in [section 3141(b) of this title](/usc/29/3141.md?p=b); and
        - (II) how other [one-stop partner programs](/usc/29/3102.md?p=43) will be assessed each year;
      - (iii) the results of an assessment of the effectiveness of the [core programs](/usc/29/3102.md?p=12) and other [one-stop partner programs](/usc/29/3102.md?p=43) during the preceding 2-year period;
      - (iv) the methods and factors the [State](/usc/29/3102.md?p=56) will use in distributing funds under the [core programs](/usc/29/3102.md?p=12), in accordance with the provisions authorizing such distributions;
      - (v)
        - (I) how the lead [State](/usc/29/3102.md?p=56) agencies with responsibility for the administration of the [core programs](/usc/29/3102.md?p=12) will align and integrate available workforce and education data on [core programs](/usc/29/3102.md?p=12), unemployment insurance programs, and education through postsecondary education;
        - (II) how such agencies will use the [workforce development system](/usc/29/3102.md?p=67) to assess the progress of participants that are exiting from [core programs](/usc/29/3102.md?p=12) in entering, persisting in, and completing postsecondary education, or entering or remaining in employment; and
        - (III) the privacy safeguards incorporated in such system, including safeguards required by [section 1232g of title 20](/usc/20/1232g.md) and other applicable Federal laws;
      - (vi) how the [State](/usc/29/3102.md?p=56) will implement the priority of service provisions for [veterans](/usc/29/3102.md?p=63-A) in accordance with the requirements of [section 4215 of title 38](/usc/38/4215.md);
      - (vii) how the one-stop delivery system, including [one-stop operators](/usc/29/3102.md?p=41) and the [one-stop partners](/usc/29/3102.md?p=42), will comply with [section 3248 of this title](/usc/29/3248.md), if applicable, and applicable provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ([42 U.S.C. 12101](/usc/42/12101.md) et seq.), regarding the physical and programmatic accessibility of facilities, programs, services, technology, and materials, for [individuals with disabilities](/usc/29/3102.md?p=25-B), including complying through providing staff training and support for addressing the needs of [individuals with disabilities](/usc/29/3102.md?p=25-B); and
      - (viii) such other operational planning elements as the Secretary of Labor or the Secretary of Education, as appropriate, determines to be necessary for effective [State](/usc/29/3102.md?p=56) operating systems and policies.
    - (D) **Program-specific requirements—** The unified [State plan](/usc/29/3102.md?p=58) shall include—
      - (i) with respect to activities carried out under part B, a description of—
        - (I) [State](/usc/29/3102.md?p=56) policies or guidance, for the statewide [workforce development system](/usc/29/3102.md?p=67) and for use of [State](/usc/29/3102.md?p=56) funds for [workforce investment activities](/usc/29/3102.md?p=68);
        - (II) the [local areas](/usc/29/3102.md?p=32) designated in the [State](/usc/29/3102.md?p=56), including the process used for designating [local areas](/usc/29/3102.md?p=32), and the process used for identifying any [planning regions](/usc/29/3102.md?p=48) under [section 3121(a) of this title](/usc/29/3121.md?p=a), including a description of how the [State](/usc/29/3102.md?p=56) consulted with the [local boards](/usc/29/3102.md?p=33) and [chief elected officials](/usc/29/3102.md?p=9) in determining the [planning regions](/usc/29/3102.md?p=48);
        - (III) the appeals process referred to in [section 3121(b)(6) of this title](/usc/29/3121.md?p=b-6), relating to designation of [local areas](/usc/29/3102.md?p=32);
        - (IV) the appeals process referred to in [section 3151(h)(2)(E) of this title](/usc/29/3151.md?p=h-2-E), relating to determinations for infrastructure funding; and
        - (V) with respect to [youth workforce investment activities](/usc/29/3102.md?p=71) authorized in [section 3164 of this title](/usc/29/3164.md), information identifying the criteria to be used by [local boards](/usc/29/3102.md?p=33) in awarding grants for [youth workforce investment activities](/usc/29/3102.md?p=71) and describing how the [local boards](/usc/29/3102.md?p=33) will take into consideration the ability of the providers to meet performance accountability measures based on primary indicators of performance for the youth program as described in [section 3141(b)(2)(A)(ii) of this title](/usc/29/3141.md?p=b-2-A-ii) in awarding such grants;
      - (ii) with respect to activities carried out under subchapter II, a description of—
        - (I) how the eligible agency will, if applicable, align content standards for [adult education](/usc/29/3102.md?p=3) with challenging [State](/usc/29/3102.md?p=56) academic standards, as adopted under [section 6311(b)(1) of title 20](/usc/20/6311.md?p=b-1);
        - (II) how the [State](/usc/29/3102.md?p=56) will fund local activities using considerations specified in [section 3321(e) of this title](/usc/29/3321.md?p=e) for—
          - (aa) activities under [section 3321(b) of this title](/usc/29/3321.md?p=b);
          - (bb) programs for corrections education under [section 3305 of this title](/usc/29/3305.md);
          - (cc) programs for integrated English [literacy](/usc/29/3102.md?p=31) and civics education under [section 3333 of this title](/usc/29/3333.md); and
          - (dd) [integrated education and training](/usc/29/3102.md?p=29);
        - (III) how the [State](/usc/29/3102.md?p=56) will use the funds to carry out activities under [section 3303 of this title](/usc/29/3303.md);
        - (IV) how the [State](/usc/29/3102.md?p=56) will use the funds to carry out activities under [section 3333 of this title](/usc/29/3333.md);
        - (V) how the eligible agency will assess the quality of providers of [adult education and literacy activities](/usc/29/3102.md?p=3) under subchapter II and take actions to improve such quality, including providing the activities described in [section 3303(a)(1)(B) of this title](/usc/29/3303.md?p=a-1-B);
      - (iii) with respect to programs carried out under title I of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ([29 U.S.C. 720](/usc/29/720.md) et seq.), other than [section 112](/usc/29/112.md) or part C of that title ([29 U.S.C. 732](/usc/29/732.md), 741), the information described in [section 101(a)](/usc/29/101.md) of that Act ([29 U.S.C. 721(a)](/usc/29/721.md?p=a)); and
      - (iv) information on such additional specific requirements for a program referenced in any of clauses [(i)](#b-2-D-i) through [(iii)](#b-2-D-iii) or the Wagner-Peyser Act ([29 U.S.C. 49](/usc/29/49.md) et seq.) as the Secretary of Labor determines to be necessary to administer that program but cannot reasonably be applied across all such programs.
    - (E) **Assurances—** The unified [State plan](/usc/29/3102.md?p=58) shall include assurances—
      - (i) that the [State](/usc/29/3102.md?p=56) has established a policy identifying circumstances that may present a conflict of interest for a [State board](/usc/29/3102.md?p=57) or [local board](/usc/29/3102.md?p=33) member, or the entity or class of officials that the member represents, and procedures to resolve such conflicts;
      - (ii) that the [State](/usc/29/3102.md?p=56) has established a policy to provide to the public (including [individuals with disabilities](/usc/29/3102.md?p=25-B)) access to meetings of [State boards](/usc/29/3102.md?p=57) and [local boards](/usc/29/3102.md?p=33), and information regarding activities of [State boards](/usc/29/3102.md?p=57) and [local boards](/usc/29/3102.md?p=33), such as data on board membership and minutes;
      - (iii)
        - (I) that the lead [State](/usc/29/3102.md?p=56) agencies with responsibility for the administration of [core programs](/usc/29/3102.md?p=12) reviewed and commented on the appropriate operational planning elements of the unified [State plan](/usc/29/3102.md?p=58), and approved the elements as serving the needs of the populations served by such programs; and
        - (II) that the [State](/usc/29/3102.md?p=56) obtained input into the development of the unified [State plan](/usc/29/3102.md?p=58) and provided an opportunity for comment on the plan by representatives of [local boards](/usc/29/3102.md?p=33) and [chief elected officials](/usc/29/3102.md?p=9), businesses, labor organizations, institutions of higher education, other primary stakeholders, and the general public and that the unified [State plan](/usc/29/3102.md?p=58) is available and accessible to the general public;
      - (iv) that the [State](/usc/29/3102.md?p=56) has established, in accordance with [section 3141(i) of this title](/usc/29/3141.md?p=i), fiscal control and fund accounting procedures that may be necessary to ensure the proper disbursement of, and accounting for, funds paid to the [State](/usc/29/3102.md?p=56) through allotments made for [adult](/usc/29/3102.md?p=2), [dislocated worker](/usc/29/3102.md?p=15), and youth programs to carry out [workforce investment activities](/usc/29/3102.md?p=68) under subparts 2 and 3 of part B;
      - (v) that the [State](/usc/29/3102.md?p=56) has taken appropriate action to secure compliance with uniform administrative requirements in this Act, including that the [State](/usc/29/3102.md?p=56) will annually monitor [local areas](/usc/29/3102.md?p=32) to ensure compliance and otherwise take appropriate action to secure compliance with the uniform administrative requirements under [section 3244(a)(3) of this title](/usc/29/3244.md?p=a-3);
      - (vi) that the [State](/usc/29/3102.md?p=56) has taken the appropriate action to be in compliance with [section 3248 of this title](/usc/29/3248.md), if applicable;
      - (vii) that the Federal funds received to carry out a core program will not be expended for any purpose other than for activities authorized with respect to such funds under that core program;
      - (viii) that the eligible agency under subchapter II will—
        - (I) expend the funds appropriated to carry out that subchapter only in a manner consistent with fiscal requirements under [section 3331(a) of this title](/usc/29/3331.md?p=a) (regarding supplement and not supplant provisions); and
        - (II) ensure that there is at least 1 eligible provider serving each [local area](/usc/29/3102.md?p=32);
      - (ix) that the [State](/usc/29/3102.md?p=56) will pay an appropriate share (as defined by the [State board](/usc/29/3102.md?p=57)) of the costs of carrying out [section 3141 of this title](/usc/29/3141.md), from funds made available through each of the [core programs](/usc/29/3102.md?p=12); and
      - (x) regarding such other matters as the Secretary of Labor or the Secretary of Education, as appropriate, determines to be necessary for the administration of the [core programs](/usc/29/3102.md?p=12).
  - (3) **Existing analysis—** As appropriate, a [State](/usc/29/3102.md?p=56) may use an existing analysis in order to carry out the requirements of [paragraph (1)](#b-1) concerning an analysis.
- (c) **Plan submission and approval—**
  - (1) **Submission—**
    - (A) **Initial plan—** The initial unified [State plan](/usc/29/3102.md?p=58) under this section (after July 22, 2014) shall be submitted to the Secretary of Labor not later than 120 days prior to the commencement of the second full program year after July 22, 2014.
    - (B) **Subsequent plans—** Except as provided in [subparagraph (A)](#c-1-A), a unified [State plan](/usc/29/3102.md?p=58) shall be submitted to the Secretary of Labor not later than 120 days prior to the end of the 4-year period covered by the preceding unified [State plan](/usc/29/3102.md?p=58).
  - (2) **Submission and approval—**
    - (A) **Submission—** In approving a unified [State plan](/usc/29/3102.md?p=58) under this section, the Secretary shall submit the portion of the unified [State plan](/usc/29/3102.md?p=58) covering a program or activity to the head of the Federal agency that administers the program or activity for the approval of such portion by such head.
    - (B) **Approval—** A unified [State plan](/usc/29/3102.md?p=58) shall be subject to the approval of both the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Education, after approval of the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration for the portion of the plan described in [subsection (b)(2)(D)(iii)](#b-2-D-iii). The plan shall be considered to be approved at the end of the 90-day period beginning on the day the plan is submitted, unless the Secretary of Labor or the Secretary of Education makes a written determination, during the 90-day period, that the plan is inconsistent with the provisions of this section or the provisions authorizing the [core programs](/usc/29/3102.md?p=12), as appropriate.
  - (3) **Modifications—**
    - (A) **Modifications—** At the end of the first 2-year period of any 4-year unified [State plan](/usc/29/3102.md?p=58), the [State board](/usc/29/3102.md?p=57) shall review the unified [State plan](/usc/29/3102.md?p=58), and the [Governor](/usc/29/3102.md?p=22) shall submit modifications to the plan to reflect changes in labor market and economic conditions or in other factors affecting the implementation of the unified [State plan](/usc/29/3102.md?p=58).
    - (B) **Approval—** A modified unified [State plan](/usc/29/3102.md?p=58) submitted for the review required under [subparagraph (A)](#c-3-A) shall be subject to the approval requirements described in [paragraph (2)](#c-2). A [Governor](/usc/29/3102.md?p=22) may submit a modified unified [State plan](/usc/29/3102.md?p=58) at such other times as the [Governor](/usc/29/3102.md?p=22) determines to be appropriate, and such modified unified [State plan](/usc/29/3102.md?p=58) shall also be subject to the approval requirements described in [paragraph (2)](#c-2).
  - (4) **Early implementers—** The Secretary of Labor, in conjunction with the Secretary of Education, shall establish a process for approving and may approve unified [State plans](/usc/29/3102.md?p=58) that meet the requirements of this section and are submitted to cover periods commencing prior to the second full program year described in [paragraph (1)(A)](#c-1-A).

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 113–128, title I, § 102, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1444; Pub. L. 114–18, § 2(e)(1), May 22, 2015, 129 Stat. 213; Pub. L. 114–95, title IX, § 9215(yyy)(2), Dec. 10, 2015, 129 Stat. 2191.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### References in Text

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, referred to in subsec. (b)(2)(C)(vii), is Pub. L. 101–336, July 26, 1990, 104 Stat. 327, which is classified principally to chapter 126 (§ 12101 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 12101 of Title 42 and Tables.

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, referred to in subsec. (b)(2)(D)(iii), is Pub. L. 93–112, Sept. 26, 1973, 87 Stat. 355. Title I of the Act is classified generally to subchapter I (§ 720 et seq.) of chapter 16 of this title. Part C of title I of the Act is classified generally to part C (§ 741) of subchapter I of chapter 16 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 701 of this title and Tables.

The Wagner-Peyser Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(2)(D)(iv), is act June 6, 1933, ch. 49, 48 Stat. 113, which is classified generally to chapter 4B (§ 49 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 49 of this title and Tables.

This Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(2)(E)(v), is Pub. L. 113–128, July 22, 2014, 128 Stat. 1425, known as the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, which enacted this chapter, repealed chapter 30 (§ 2801 et seq.) of this title and chapter 73 (§ 9201 et seq.) of Title 20, Education, and made amendments to numerous other sections and notes in the Code. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

### Amendments

2015—Subsec. (b)(2)(D)(i)(III). Pub. L. 114–18 substituted “section 3121(b)(6)” for “section 3121(b)(5)”.

Subsec. (b)(2)(D)(ii)(I). Pub. L. 114–95 substituted “with challenging State academic standards, as adopted under section 6311(b)(1) of title 20” for “with State-adopted challenging academic content standards, as adopted under section 6311(b)(1) of title 20”.

### Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Effective Date of 2015 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–95 effective Dec. 10, 2015, except with respect to certain noncompetitive programs and competitive programs, see section 5 of Pub. L. 114–95, set out as a note under section 6301 of Title 20, Education.

Pub. L. 114–18, § 2(f), May 22, 2015, 129 Stat. 214, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 3121, 3122, 3141, 3164, 3172, and 3174 of this title] shall take effect as if included in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act [Pub. L. 113–128].”

### Effective Date

Section effective on the first day of the first full program year after July 22, 2014 (July 1, 2015), see section 506 of Pub. L. 113–128, set out as a note under section 3101 of this title.