HB0249 - Illinois Hazardous Materials Workforce Training Act

• Creates the Illinois Hazardous Materials Workforce Training Act requiring owners and operators of high-hazard chemical facilities to use skilled and trained workforces for construction contracts awarded on or after January 1, 2020.

• Requires the Environmental Protection Agency to develop by rule an approved advanced safety training curriculum for workers at high hazard facilities, with training available through the Agency or community colleges by January 1, 2021.

• Defines "skilled and trained workforce" to include registered apprentices or skilled journeypersons, with escalating requirements for apprenticeship program graduates: 30% by January 1, 2020; 45% by January 1, 2021; and 60% by January 1, 2022.

• Requires skilled journeypersons to complete at least 20 hours of approved advanced safety training within the prior 2 calendar years beginning January 1, 2023.

• Establishes civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation (with each day counted as a separate violation) and creates the Illinois Hazardous Materials Workforce Training Fund to receive penalty revenues for Agency administration and investigation costs.