Bill > HB1777

This bill addresses challenges in Washington state's apprenticeship program approval process by introducing several key reforms. The legislature recognizes a significant workforce gap, with 228,000 potential job openings requiring apprenticeship credentials that cannot currently be filled. The bill mandates that the apprenticeship council expedite the approval of programs already federally recognized, focusing reviews only on unique state requirements. It establishes a more streamlined registration process where new apprenticeship programs receive provisional 12-month registration, with permanent status granted unless specific performance issues arise. The bill also reforms the competitor objection process by setting a 30-day window for filing objections, implementing potential financial penalties for frivolous or unsubstantiated objections, and allowing for voluntary mediation. Additionally, the bill requires the apprenticeship council to provide an annual report comparing Washington's apprenticeship program approval rates to federal and other state standards, with detailed information about program applications, their status, and reasons for any denials. As a technical measure, the bill also relocates existing apprenticeship-related statutes from Title 49 RCW to a new chapter in Title 28B RCW, ensuring consistent legal referencing.

Education

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1777&Year=2025&Initiative=false