MA H5032

Public works construction contracts exceeding $10,000,000 must require all construction managers, general contractors, and subcontractors to maintain or participate in apprentice programs approved by the Division of Apprentice Standards

Minimum apprentice labor hours phased in over 4 years: 5% of total hours worked per trade in year 1, increasing to 10% in year 3, and 15% in year 4

Public agencies may grant exemptions only after documenting that no qualified bidder with an apprentice program is available for a specific trade, with exemptions reported to the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development within 30 days

Contractors failing to maintain or participate in an apprentice program without an exemption will not be deemed responsible and eligible bidders

Establishes a special commission to study apprenticeship development, accessibility, funding, and utilization across industries, with a report due by January 1, 2027