HB2300 Summary

• Increases the minimum apprenticeship requirement on public works projects costing $500,000 or more from 10% to 50% labor hours performed by graduates of Illinois Works Preapprenticeship Program, Illinois Climate Works Preapprenticeship Program, or Highway Construction Careers Training Program for contracts executed on or after January 1, 2024.

• Requires contractors and subcontractors to submit certifications documenting compliance with apprenticeship labor hour goals, with intentional noncompliance subject to contract termination, up to 3-year bidding prohibitions, and penalties up to 25% of contract value.

• Creates the Illinois Works Credit Bank to track bid credits earned by contractors for employing program graduates, allowing credits to be used toward future State public works project bids.

• Requires certified payroll documentation from contractors to earn bid credits and prevents double-dipping by prohibiting contractors from claiming bid credits under multiple State programs for the same contract.

• Directs the Department to maintain a list of program graduates for at least one year after completion and make it available to contractors and apprenticeship programs to facilitate employment placement.