Bill > HB1017

This bill modifies Maryland's apprenticeship requirements for public works contracts by establishing a mandatory apprenticeship participation rate of 20% for construction projects starting January 1, 2026. The bill applies to contractors and subcontractors with four or more employees and requires them to employ a specified percentage of qualified apprentices or journeyworkers on covered projects. Contractors and subcontractors must now provide written verification of their apprenticeship compliance, including monthly reports detailing the names, registration numbers, and labor hours of apprentices and journeyworkers. The bill removes previous provisions allowing contractors to make alternative payments to apprenticeship programs instead of directly employing apprentices. Contractors who fail to meet the requirements will be subject to significant financial penalties, including paying twice the amount of unpaid apprenticeship training contributions and $100 per labor hour where apprenticeship requirements were not met. The Maryland Department of Labor will be responsible for setting annual apprenticeship percentages, maintaining public reporting on apprenticeship usage, and adopting regulations to implement these new requirements. The law will take effect on October 1, 2025, giving contractors and the state time to prepare for the new apprenticeship standards.

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https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1017?ys=2025RS