MD HB1017

Requires contractors and subcontractors on public works projects to employ qualified apprentices or journeyworkers to meet an "applicable percentage" of total labor hours, starting at 20% for projects advertised on or after January 1, 2026

Applies to all public works projects subject to prevailing wage requirements (removing the previous $500,000 threshold) and extends coverage to the University System of Maryland and Baltimore City Community College

Eliminates the option for contractors to make payments to apprenticeship programs in lieu of employing apprentices, requiring actual workforce participation

Secretary of Labor must annually set the applicable percentage and may grant waivers if contractors demonstrate they requested apprentices from all applicable training programs and were denied or received no response within 10 business days

Penalties for noncompliance include twice the unpaid apprenticeship contributions plus $100 per labor hour, with willful false statements subject to up to $1,000 per employee per falsified record under the Maryland False Claims Act