Panel backs bill to close apprenticeship funding loophole for public works projects
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Summary
The committee voted 5–3 to advance HB270, which removes exemptions for many road and utility public‑works contracts and requires contributions to the Public Works Apprentice and Training fund unless there is no approved program for a given trade. The bill drew strong industry opposition and labor support during extensive debate.
House Bill 270, aimed at clarifying and expanding contributions to the state's Public Works Apprentice and Training fund, received a do‑pass recommendation from the House Labor, Veterans and Military Affairs committee after lengthy debate and public testimony.
Sponsor Representative Borrego and co‑sponsor Representative Dela Cruz said the bill removes an exemption that previously allowed certain road, highway, bridge, utility and maintenance contracts to avoid the apprenticeship contribution requirement. The measure also adds an exception so that if no state‑approved apprenticeship or training program exists for a trade classification, no contribution would be assessed for that trade.
Proponents argued the bill cleans up a 2024 law and closes a loophole that excluded highway and utility contractors from the apprenticeship funding system, helping ensure taxpayer dollars support in‑state training and a steady pipeline of skilled workers. Representative Dela Cruz told the committee the bill does not create new apprenticeship programs nor raise contribution rates; the purpose is to extend existing contribution requirements more consistently.
Opponents included the Asphalt Pavement Association and Associated Contractors in New Mexico, which argued the highway industry already has recognized training programs and warned the bill could impose new costs and practical barriers—union/nonunion participation issues and geographic limits—for some firms. Jane Jernigan of the New Mexico Utility Contractors Association said approved programs do not guarantee contractor access and stressed geographic and structural obstacles to participating in some apprenticeship programs.
Union and trades advocates including Jason Espinosa and Stephanie Meyes said apprenticeship funding expands workforce capacity and that all contractors who benefit from public projects should help fund training. Witnesses also noted the state has planned bond and capital projects that will demand trained labor and that the bill would help keep jobs and training in New Mexico.
Representative Anaya moved a do‑pass recommendation and the vice chair seconded. The secretary called roll; the transcript records a final tally of five yes and three no. Chair Roy Bal Caballero announced the bill had a do‑pass recommendation and thanked members for their work.
Next steps: HB270 will proceed with the committee’s do‑pass recommendation. The bill references the Public Works Apprentice and Training Act (section 13‑4D‑4 NMSA 1978) for the statutory framework; implementation details and any necessary certifications will be addressed during rulemaking or subsequent legislative action.