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

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development (originally sponsored by Senators Kohl-Welles, Kline, Rasmussen, Franklin, Roach and Pridemore; by request of Governor Locke).

Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development
House Committee on Commerce & Labor

Background: Executive Order 00-01 required that apprentices in programs approved by the Apprenticeship and Training Council should make up at least 10 percent of the total labor hours on public works projects of more than $2 million awarded after July 1, 2000. The percentage was set to increase over time; currently, apprentices must account for 15 percent of the total labor hours on projects of more than $1 million.

The Executive Order applies to state agencies under the authority of the Governor, which excludes the Transportation Commission, four-year institutions of higher education, and agencies headed by a separately elected public official. The Executive Order allows agency directors to adjust the apprenticeship utilization percentage, with prior review by the Governor, under certain conditions, such as a shortage of apprentices in a specific geographic area.

Summary: The current requirements of Executive Order 00-01, including the authority to adjust the utilization level, are codified. The Department of General Administration (GA) must collect certain data, while the GA and the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) must provide information and technical assistance to affected agencies. If requested by designated legislative committees, GA, L&I, and the Governor must submit a joint report, including: (1) data on shortages in each trade or craft; and (2) recommendations on how to improve the program.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate      27   19
House      58   40

Effective: February 24, 2005