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Committee hears bill to require apprentice-utilization plans on public works projects
Summary
A bill to require apprentice utilization plans and centralize responsible-bidder information for public works projects was heard; sponsors and trade groups said the measure would connect contractors to apprentices and boost workforce pipelines.
The committee heard Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 15 49, which requires bidders on public works projects subject to apprentice utilization requirements to submit an apprentice utilization plan before notice to proceed (effective July 1, 2026) and centralizes certain responsible-bidder criteria beginning July 1, 2027.
Sponsor Representative Fosse and stakeholders including building trades unions and apprenticeship programs described the bill as an implementation and transparency measure, not a new punitive standard. “All we're doing is asking for the state to ensure there are opportunities to put apprentices on job sites,” said Erin Frazier of the Washington State Building Construction Trades Council. Frazier added the bill helps contractors find apprentices and would make apprentice placements more visible.
Under the bill, the Department of Labor and Industries would develop a template for apprentice utilization plans, and L&I would publish data to allow awarding agencies to verify bidder compliance. The later phase requires bidders to demonstrate recent compliance with responsible-bidder or prevailing-wage requirements or have a designated trained person on staff.
Supporters said the change follows several years of stakeholder work and has unanimous support in the House. Testimony also urged inclusion of technical assistance, demographic reporting and outreach to expand access to apprenticeship programs for underrepresented communities.
No final vote was taken during the hearing.
