Bill > HB06786

This bill aims to establish a more flexible process for skilled trades businesses to hire additional apprentices when they do not have enough licensed journeypersons to meet existing regulatory hiring ratios. The Labor Commissioner will create a new application process where contractors in electrical, plumbing, heating, piping, cooling, sprinkler fitter, or sheet metal trades can request relief from standard apprentice-to-journeyperson hiring ratios. To be approved, applicants must meet several criteria, including being in good standing with the Labor Department, having no recent labor law violations, maintaining a reasonable apprentice retention and success rate (at least 40% of apprentices completing requirements for journeyperson licensing), and agreeing to track and report apprentice work hours. The Labor Commissioner must review applications within ten business days and provide a decision, and if approved, the hiring ratio relief will apply to the specified apprentices for up to six years. Additionally, the Labor Department must submit an annual report to legislative committees detailing the number of individuals served by this process and its outcomes, with the first report due by October 1, 2026. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, and is designed to help skilled trades businesses more easily expand their workforce and provide apprenticeship opportunities.

Business and Industry, Justice

Commerce Committee (J)

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB06786&which_year=2025