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MarylandHB 08642026 Regular SessionHouse

Public Works Contracts - Apprenticeship Requirements (Maryland Workforce Apprenticeship Utilization Act)

Sponsored By: Melissa Wells (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

State ProcurementAELR CommitteeApprenticeships and InternshipsBaltimore CityCommunity CollegesConstructionContractors -see also- Construct; Electricians; etc.Contracts -see also- ProcurementData -see also- Census; DemographicsElectronic CommunicationEthicsInternet -see also- Internet AccessJob Training -see also- Continuing Ed; Vocational RehabPostal ServicePublic Works -see also- Brg&Tun; Hwys; PublBlgFac; etc.Public Works, Board ofReportsRevenue and Taxes -see also- (specific tax)Rules and RegulationsSalaries and Compensation -see also- Overtime; Reimb. RatesStandards and Best PracticesState Universities and CollegesTelecommunicationsTimeWork, Labor, and Employment -see also- JobTrn; Leave; etc.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.

Contractors face new reports and penalties

Starting October 1, 2026, contractors and subs must send monthly reports during construction that list each apprentice or journeyworker, their program and ID, and hours by trade. Within 60 days after finishing, send final totals. The Department posts aggregated data and payments online. List all apprenticeship payments on your prevailing‑wage payroll records. Before you start work, contractors and subs over the small procurement threshold must give written proof they will meet the apprentice share or make required payments. If you fall short or falsify records, you can owe twice any unpaid contributions, a fine up to $10,000, and civil penalties up to $1,000 per employee or record. The Secretary can sue to collect. The Secretary also issues regulations to carry this out.

Contractors must hit 20% apprentice hours

For covered state public works advertised on or after January 1, 2027, at least 20% of total labor hours must be done by qualifying apprentices or recent completers. Qualifying workers include people enrolled in a registered apprenticeship, those who finished one within 3 years, or those who finished equivalent training within 3 years. Labor hours exclude owners, foremen, superintendents, and executive, administrative, or professional staff. The rules now apply to all contractors and subs, even very small crews. The Secretary can adjust a project’s target to meet supervision ratios and sets the percentage for each year starting December 31, 2028, based on the prior two years. Covered projects are those under Subtitle 2 of Title 17.

Pay $0.25/hour or train apprentices

Contractors can meet the rule by employing apprentices and making regular apprenticeship payments for each craft at least at the prevailing‑wage apprenticeship fringe rate, or by paying into the State Apprenticeship Training Fund. Fund payments are capped at $0.25 per hour per employee in each covered craft and are paid monthly, starting October 1, 2026. If the prevailing‑wage apprenticeship fringe is above $0.25 per hour, you must pay the extra directly to workers as wages. If the Secretary finds you under‑contributed or missed your target, you must make monthly recovery payments to cover the shortfall.

University projects now follow apprenticeship rules

The apprenticeship requirements also apply to public works by the University System of Maryland and Baltimore City Community College. Contractors on those jobs must meet the apprentice‑hour or payment requirements just like other state projects.

More funding for proven apprenticeship programs

The State Apprenticeship Training Fund supports pre‑apprenticeship, registered apprenticeship, and workforce programs and pays for program administration. Awards go only to programs that place people into registered apprenticeships and are tied to a registered program with at least a 25% completion rate. The Fund can accept money from any source. Contractors can ask the state to direct their contributions to specific training programs, and the Secretary makes a good‑faith effort to honor requests.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Melissa Wells

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Jackie Addison

    Democratic • House

  • Tiffany T. Alston

    Democratic • House

  • Adrian Boafo

    Democratic • House

  • Derrick Coley

    Democratic • House

  • Julian Ivey

    Democratic • House

  • Jeffrie E. Long

    Democratic • House

  • Julie Palakovich Carr

    Democratic • House

  • Cheryl E. Pasteur

    Democratic • House

  • Kent Roberson

    Democratic • House

  • Denise Roberts

    Democratic • House

  • Malcolm P. Ruff

    Democratic • House

  • Sheila Ruth

    Democratic • House

  • Jared Solomon

    Democratic • House

  • Sean A. Stinnett

    Democratic • House

  • Veronica Turner

    Democratic • House

  • Greg Wims

    Democratic • House

  • Jamila J. Woods

    Democratic • House

  • Caylin Young

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 281 • No: 14

House vote • 4/11/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 122 • No: 8 • Other: 5

Senate vote • 4/9/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 41 • No: 0 • Other: 2

House vote • 3/21/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 118 • No: 6 • Other: 9

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 410

    5/12/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/11/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (122-8)

    4/11/2026House

  4. House Concurs Senate Amendments

    4/11/2026House

  5. Third Reading Passed (41-0)

    4/9/2026Senate

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/9/2026Senate

  7. Favorable with Amendments {763825/1 Adopted

    4/9/2026Senate

  8. Favorable with Amendments Report by Budget and Taxation

    4/9/2026Senate

  9. Hearing 4/02 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/25/2026Senate

  10. Referred Budget and Taxation

    3/23/2026Senate

  11. Third Reading Passed (118-6)

    3/21/2026House

  12. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/20/2026House

  13. Favorable with Amendments {433921/1 Adopted

    3/20/2026House

  14. Favorable with Amendments Report by Government, Labor, and Elections

    3/20/2026House

  15. Hearing 2/19 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/9/2026House

  16. First Reading Government, Labor, and Elections

    2/4/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/11/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/20/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/4/2026

    PDF

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