Effective July 1, 2023, the department of labor and training (“department”) shall require publicly funded workforce and training programs to supplement all paper-based credentials with verified electronic credentials. Credentials include, but are not limited to, certifications, licenses, degrees, and training completion certificates issued by workforce and training programs within the department’s responsibility. An “electronic credential” means an electronic method by which a person may display or transmit to another person information that verifies information about a person such as their licensure, program completion, and verified skills and competencies. The department may use a third-party electronic credential system that is not maintained by the agency. The electronic credential system shall include a verification system that is operated by the agency or its agent on its behalf for the purpose of verifying the authenticity and validity of electronic credentials.