Brief Description: Providing for apprenticeship utilization requirements on public works projects.

Sponsors: Representatives Conway, Hankins, Campbell, Cooper, Kenney, Wood, Simpson, D., Chase, Simpson, G., Moeller, Morrell, Hudgins and Dickerson; by request of Governor Locke and Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council.

Hearing Date: 1/21/04

Staff: Jill Reinmuth (786-7134).

Background:

Under Executive Order 00-01, Governor Locke directed state agencies under his authority to require that apprentices enrolled in state-approved apprenticeship training programs participate in public works projects.

Requirements for Apprentice Utilization

The requirements for apprentice utilization are as follows:

•    Ten percent of total labor hours for contracts of more than $2 million awarded from July 1, 2000, through December 31, 2002;

•    Twelve percent of total labor hours for contracts of more than $2 million awarded from January 1, 2003, through December 31, 2003; and

•    Fifteen percent of total labor hours for contracts of more than $1 million awarded from January 1, 2004, forward.

Adjustments to Utilization Requirements

The Governor permitted agency directors to adjust these requirements for specific projects for the following reasons:

•    A demonstrated lack of availability of apprentices in specific geographic areas;

•    A disproportionately high ratio of material costs to labor hours;

•    A demonstrated good faith effort by participating contractors to comply with the requirements of Executive Order 00-01; or

•    Other criteria the agency director deems appropriate, subject to prior review by the Office of the Governor.

Summary of Bill:

The requirement for apprentice utilization in public works projects and reasons for adjusting the requirement, as set forth in Governor Locke's Executive Order, are codified.

Requirement for Apprentice Utilization

All specifications for public works done by certain state agencies and higher education institutions must require that apprentices enrolled in state-approved apprenticeship training programs participate in the projects, as required in Governor Locke's Executive Order. From January 1, 2004, and thereafter, for contracts estimated to cost $1 million or more, no less than 15 percent of total labor hours must be performed by such apprentices.

Adjustments to Utilization Requirement

Awarding agencies may adjust this apprentice utilization requirement for specific projects for the same reasons as specified in Governor Locke's Executive Order.

Reporting Requirements

The Department of General Administration, with the assistance of the Department of Labor and Industries, must provide information and technical assistance to affected agencies. The Department of General Administration also must collect certain data on covered projects from affected agencies.

At the request of certain legislative committees and the Governor, the Department of General Administration and the Department of Labor and Industries must compile and summarize the data and provide a joint report. The report must include recommendations on modifications or improvements to the apprentice utilization program, and information on skill shortages in each trade or craft.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 15, 2004.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.