On February 19, Associate Policy Director Karrington Anderson testified before the Government, Labor, and Elections Committee in support of HB 864 – Public Works Contracts – Apprenticeship Requirements (Maryland Workforce Apprenticeship Utilization Act) with amendments.
This bill would establish apprenticeship utilization requirements for contractors and subcontractors on covered public works projects. Beginning January 1, 2027, the bill requires that 20% of total labor hours on a covered project be performed by qualified apprentices or journeyworkers. The bill also directs the Maryland Department of Labor to adopt implementing regulations.
Counties strongly support the expansion of registered apprenticeship programs as a proven workforce development strategy but seek amendments to ensure that apprenticeship utilization requirements remain clear, stable, and predictable for local governments managing public infrastructure projects.
Public works projects are typically awarded to the lowest responsiblebidder. If apprenticeship requirements become more stringent or unpredictable over time, the number of bidders and offerors may decline, particularly in smaller or rural jurisdictions where the pool of available apprenticeship program participants may be limited. Reduced competition can drive up costs for county-funded infrastructure, placing additional strain on already tight local budgets.