CO HB1300

Requires contractors on non-federally funded public projects over $500,000 to employ apprentices registered with U.S. Department of Labor for at least 25% of the workforce in apprenticeable occupations.

Defines "apprenticeable occupation" as skills learned through structured on-the-job training requiring at least 2,000 hours of learning, clearly recognized in the industry, and requiring related classroom instruction.

Government agencies may only consider bids that indicate 25% of the apprenticeable occupation workforce will be registered apprentices; excludes Department of Transportation projects expected to cost less than $500,000.

Contractors must submit affidavits upon project completion listing apprentice names, their registered programs, and total apprenticeable occupation workers, or provide documentation of good faith compliance efforts.

Agencies may retain withheld contract amounts as liquidated damages if contractors fail to submit affidavits or if affidavits do not demonstrate compliance or good faith effort; does not supersede existing licensed apprenticeship requirements.