5998-S.E AMH SCHM GORT 006

ESSB 5998 - H AMD TO H AMD (H-3714.1/26) 2099

NOT ADOPTED 02/28/2026

On page 260, after line 15, insert the following:

"(42)(a) Within the amounts appropriated in this section:

(i) $50,000 from the accident account-state appropriation and $50,000 from the medical aid account-state appropriation are for the department to develop and publish written guidance, checklists, and related technical assistance materials for sponsors of proposed new registered apprenticeship programs and for sponsors submitting revisions to existing program standards. The guidance must be designed to assist sponsors in identifying and addressing issues that have historically resulted in objections during the Washington state apprenticeship and training council approval process prior to formal submission for council consideration, consistent with chapter 49.04 RCW and chapter 296-05 WAC;

(ii) The department shall update the apprenticeship objection process and associated forms to include that any objection to a proposed apprenticeship program or revision to program standards clearly cite the specific statute or administrative rule upon which the objection is based, including but not limited to chapter 49.04 RCW and chapter 296-05 WAC; and

(iii) The department shall review objections for completeness and clarity and may accept an objection as submitted or return the objection to the objector for clarification if the objection does not clearly identify the statutory or regulatory basis for the objection.

(b) Nothing in this proviso alters the statutory authority of the Washington state apprenticeship and training council under RCW 49.04.010, 49.04.040, and 49.04.050 to approve or deny apprenticeship programs or revisions at its regular meetings, nor does it modify existing rules governing the submission or review of apprenticeship program standards under chapter 296-05 WAC. Registered apprenticeship programs approved by the Washington state apprenticeship and training council remain subject to ongoing oversight by the department and the council as provided in law."

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