DE HB487

Requires contractors on public works projects meeting prevailing wage thresholds to maintain active apprentices in craft training programs rather than allowing payment alternatives to satisfy requirements.

Establishes that contractors with 10 or more employees must have at least 1 active apprentice in each required craft, complete an apprenticeship within 6 months before contract execution, or be consortium members with active apprentices.

Eliminates the "buy-out" provision that previously allowed contractors to make annual payments ($10,000 for 10-25 employees; $20,000 for 25+ employees) to the Apprenticeship and Training Fund instead of participating in apprentice programs.

Requires the Department of Labor to maintain and update an annual list by January 31 of approved craft training programs, including only crafts with at least 1 active registered apprentice who completed training in the previous 2 years.

Establishes penalty provisions requiring contractors who fail to comply to pay the craft training requirement amount plus up to 10 percent additional penalty to the Apprenticeship and Training Fund, with possible remission if compliance is established within 60 days.