SB 19-196: Colorado Quality Apprenticeship Training Act of 2019

• Requires state contractors on public works projects of $1 million or more without federal funding to use mechanical, electrical, and plumbing subcontractors registered in approved apprenticeship programs, with graduating apprentice percentages increasing from 15% (2021-2026) to 20% (2026-2031) to 30% (2031+).

• Establishes prevailing wage requirements for state contractors on public projects of $500,000 or more without federal funding, mandating weekly employee payments, monthly certified payroll reports, and compliance with federal Davis-Bacon Act wage rates.

• Imposes escalating penalties for prevailing wage violations: $5,000 for first willful violation, $10,000 for second, and $25,000 for third and subsequent violations, with three or more violations in five years resulting in three-year contractor debarment.

• Grants employees private right of action to recover unpaid wages plus liquidated damages within three years, with protection against employer retaliation for wage complaints.

• Exempts Department of Transportation and local government entities (counties, cities, municipalities, school districts, special districts) from apprenticeship and prevailing wage requirements, with limited exceptions for institutions of higher education.