Bill > SB01465

This bill authorizes the Commissioner of Consumer Protection to allow certain skilled trade licensees to deviate from standard apprentice-to-journeyperson hiring ratios under specific conditions. Currently, trades like electrical, plumbing, heating, and sheet metal work have a standard ratio of 3 journeypersons to 1 apprentice. The bill creates a process where licensed contractors can apply for "ratio relief" to hire additional apprentices even if they do not meet the standard ratio requirements. To do so, contractors must submit a detailed application including information about their current workforce, apprentices, any previous disciplinary actions, and attestations about operational hardships. For smaller contractors (with 8 or fewer journeypersons and contractors), the approval process is more streamlined, requiring the contractor to seek no more than one apprentice per journeyperson, ensure at least one apprentice is enrolled in a qualified training program, and demonstrate operational hardship. For larger contractors or those with past enforcement actions, the application will be referred to an examining board that will establish specific criteria for reviewing such requests. The bill aims to provide flexibility for businesses struggling with workforce limitations while maintaining oversight to prevent potential misuse of the hiring ratio rules.

Justice

General Law Committee (J)

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB01465&which_year=2025