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Committee amends, advances apprenticeship grant to cap awards at $3,000 over three years
Summary
Senate Bill 22‑39 was amended in committee to change the award structure from $1,000 per year to up to $3,000 per individual within three years; the committee voted to recommend the bill and refer it to appropriations.
The Workforce Development Committee amended Senate Bill 22‑39 to give the administering agency flexibility to award up to $3,000 per apprentice within a three‑year period, rather than a fixed $1,000 per year. Members said the change would allow the program to better match apprenticeship start‑up costs while keeping a per‑participant cap.
Committee discussion focused on program administration and the question of which agency would administer the grant. The bill as drafted placed administration with the Department of Labor and Human Rights; committee members noted a related House bill (House Bill 1036) proposes creating or relocating apprenticeship authorities and that the bills should be reconciled after crossover so both measures align on where the program will be housed. Members discussed rulemaking that could set award timing, clawback language for non‑completion, and the need to let apprenticeship experts shape program guidelines.
A committee amendment replacing language about annual awards with the $3,000 cap within three years carried by voice vote; the committee then recommended a do‑pass on the amended bill and referred it to Appropriations. Senators said they intend to coordinate this bill with any companion House legislation that creates or moves the state apprenticeship office so the administering authority is clear before final enactment.
The bill’s appropriation (original draft included $1,100,000) and administrative details will be considered in Appropriations and during later reconciliation with companion House language.
