Rep. Marcus Riccelli (D–Spokane) has introduced legislation (HB 1050) that will require contractors hired for municipal public works projects estimated to cost $1,000,000 or more to have at least 15% of the labor hours performed by apprentices.

The bill also requires subcontractors for public works projects with a subcontract of $200,000 or more to have at least 15% of the labor hours performed by apprentices; however, a local jurisdiction may adopt more stringent requirements than set by the legislation. In addition to minimum utilization requirements, municipalities must monitor public works contractors and subcontractors for compliance with apprenticeship utilization rates. Finally, the bill directs the Department of Enterprise Services, with assistance from the Department of Labor and Industries, to provide technical assistance to municipalities in collecting apprenticeship data.

If your city has specific concerns or other feedback about the bill, please contact AWC staff.

Date to remember

HB 1050 is scheduled for public hearing in the House Capital Budget on January 19 at 1:30 pm.