SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6287
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As of January 17, 2012
Title: An act relating to establishing completion rate requirements for apprenticeship training programs in certain construction trades as part of apprenticeship utilization requirements.
Brief Description: Establishing completion rate requirements for apprenticeship training programs in certain construction trades as part of apprenticeship utilization requirements.
Sponsors: Senators Kohl-Welles, Roach, Pridemore, Kline and Conway.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection: 1/19/12.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & CONSUMER PROTECTION |
Staff: Mac Nicholson (786-7445)
Background: State law mandates the use of apprentices on public works projects undertaken by state agencies, school districts, and four-year institutions of higher education. With the exception of Department of Transportation (DOT) projects, apprentices must perform at least 15 percent of the labor hours on public works estimated to cost $1 million or more. For DOT, apprentice utilization requirements apply on projects estimated to cost at least $2 million. Awarding entities may adjust the utilization requirements on a specific project for authorized reasons, including the lack of availability in specific geographic areas; a disproportionately high ratio of material costs to labor hours; participating contractors have demonstrated a good faith effort to comply with the utilization requirements; or for another reason the awarding agency deems appropriate, subject to review by the office of the Governor.
Apprentices on public works projects subject to utilization requirements must be enrolled in a Washington State Apprenticeship Council (WSATC) approved program. WSATC is the regulatory body charged with approving apprentice programs and establishing program standards and rules. WSATC is composed of three employee members, three employer members, a public member, and a number of nonvoting members representing government agencies.
Summary of Bill: For the purposes of apprenticeship utilization requirements, electrical, plumbing, and elevator construction apprenticeship training programs must have a completion rate of at least 60 percent over a 12 year period or meet or exceed the industry average, whichever is less.
The Department of Labor and Industries must determine and publish the completion rates and industry averages for particular apprenticeship training programs.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 17, 2012.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on July 1, 2012.