MD SB688

Contractors and subcontractors on public works projects must employ qualified apprentices or journeyworkers to perform at least 20% of total labor hours beginning January 1, 2026, with the Secretary of Labor setting new applicable percentages annually thereafter

Applies to contractors and subcontractors employing four or more individuals on covered projects subject to prevailing wage requirements, expanding coverage to include the University System of Maryland and Baltimore City Community College

Eliminates the previous option allowing contractors to make payments to apprenticeship programs in lieu of actually employing apprentices

Secretary of Labor 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

Non-compliant contractors face penalties of twice the unpaid apprenticeship training contributions plus $100 per labor hour, with penalties recoverable under the Maryland False Claims Act; willful false representations carry civil penalties up to $1,000 per employee and falsified record