Bill > HB721

This bill revises Montana's laws related to apprenticeship programs by updating several key provisions. The bill clarifies the Department of Labor and Industry's duties, which include encouraging and promoting apprenticeship agreements, registering and tracking these agreements, and establishing standards for apprenticeship programs. The department is now required to use prevailing wage rates as a base for calculating apprentice wages and must report on its activities to the governor and legislature at least every two years. The bill modifies requirements for apprenticeship agreements, such as specifying that they must include details about the occupation, required hours, training processes, and a progressive wage scale. An important change limits the credit for prior training or experience to no more than 50% of the total apprenticeship program. The bill also explicitly states that participation in the apprenticeship program is voluntary for all employers in the state. Additionally, it updates language around vocational education boards' responsibilities, emphasizing collaboration with the state apprenticeship agency and allowing the use of subject matter experts and national programs for instruction. These changes aim to provide more flexibility and clarity in Montana's apprenticeship programs while maintaining standards for worker training and development.

Business and Industry

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC0213