Bill > HB864

This bill, titled the Maryland Workforce Apprenticeship Utilization Act, modifies existing laws regarding apprenticeship requirements for public works contracts, which are projects funded by the government. Specifically, it mandates that contractors and subcontractors on these projects must employ a certain number of qualified apprentices or journeyworkers, defined as individuals participating in an approved apprenticeship training program, to meet an "applicable percentage" of the total labor hours for the project. This percentage is set at 20% for projects advertised on or after January 1, 2027, and the Secretary of Labor will determine it annually thereafter, with the possibility of adjustments for supervision needs. The bill also expands the types of projects subject to these apprenticeship requirements by removing a previous monetary threshold, meaning more public works projects will now fall under these regulations. Crucially, it repeals provisions that allowed contractors to pay into a state apprenticeship fund as an alternative to directly employing apprentices, thus strengthening the direct utilization of apprentices on projects. Contractors and subcontractors will be required to submit monthly reports detailing apprentice and journeyworker hours and will face penalties for non-compliance, including financial liability and potential actions under the Maryland False Claims Act. The bill also includes provisions for waiving these requirements under specific circumstances, such as when qualified apprentices cannot be obtained from all applicable training programs, and establishes a process for reporting and publicizing waiver information.

Government Affairs

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0864?ys=2026RS