SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5227

                    As of January 25, 1995

Title:  An act relating to state highway contracting.

Brief Description:  Establishing training requirements for highway projects.

Sponsors:  Senators Owen and Prince; by request of Department of Transportation.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Transportation:  1/25/95.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff:  Gene Baxstrom (786-7303)

Background:  Federal regulations require that the Washington State Department of Transportation operate an on-the-job training program on federally funded highway construction contracts.  The affirmative action program goal is to create jobs for minorities, females, and disadvantaged individuals who are underrepresented in the construction industry.

An increasing number of state highway construction contracts are funded with state-only dollars where there is no such training requirement.

The state apprentice council and the Department of Labor and Industries are responsible for apprenticeship agreements and standards.  The inclusion of women and racial minorities is required in any such apprenticeship program receiving state assistance in instructional or in any other costs.

Summary of Bill:  The Department of Transportation (DOT) is directed to adopt rules to establish and administer training requirements for using state-approved apprentice programs for state highway construction projects that are funded with state tax revenues.

A severability provision is provided, declaring that if any provision of this act or its application is invalid, the remainder of the act is not affected, and if any part is in conflict with federal requirements which are prescribed as a condition for federal funds, the conflicting part is declared inoperative.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested January 17, 1995.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.