Summary — LD 1117: "An Act To Strengthen Maine’s Workforce Through Certified Preapprenticeship Training Programs"
Overview / Purpose
LD 1117 is intended to strengthen Maine’s workforce by encouraging, structuring, and recognizing certified preapprenticeship training programs that prepare individuals for entry into registered apprenticeship and skilled-employment pathways. The bill reached final legislative approval and was PASSED TO BE ENACTED in concurrence in June 2025.
What is known (key provisions)
The legislative file provided does not include the full bill text. Based on the bill title, legislative actions and accompanying fiscal notes, the bill as enacted at minimum:
- Establishes a statutory framework related to certified preapprenticeship training programs (the bill’s title indicates certification and strengthening of preapprenticeship training).
- Requires the Maine Department of Labor (or another designated state entity) to conduct a study and prepare a report related to preapprenticeship programs (the fiscal notes explicitly reference costs for conducting a required study and preparing a required report).
- Was amended in committee (Committee Amendment "A" (H‑388) was adopted) prior to final passage; the content of that amendment is not included in the materials provided.
Because the full engrossed text is not included here, specific statutory changes (definitions, certification criteria, program standards, grant or funding mechanisms, oversight or reporting timelines, or enforcement provisions) cannot be enumerated from the documents you supplied.
Fiscal impact
- Fiscal notes (approved 05/22/25 and 06/04/25) estimate a minor cost increase to the General Fund.
- The Department of Labor can absorb the additional costs to conduct the required study and prepare the required report within existing budgeted resources.
Who would be affected
- State agencies, primarily the Maine Department of Labor (responsible for study/report and likely administration or oversight).
- Training providers and educational institutions that deliver preapprenticeship programs (would be affected if the bill sets certification standards).
- Employers and apprenticeship sponsors (may benefit from a stronger pipeline of prepared candidates).
- Prospective apprentices and participants in preapprenticeship programs (potentially increased access to certified programming and clearer pathways to apprenticeships).
Legislative status and timeline (selected actions)
- Introduced: March 18, 2025 (referred to Committee on Labor).
- Committee work, work sessions and a divided report occurred from April–May 2025; Committee Amendment "A" (H‑388) adopted.
- Senate action: June 3, 2025 — Roll call (Yeas 24, Nays 8) accepted the Committee’s Majority Ought to Pass as Amended report.
- House action: June 4, 2025 — Passed to be enacted (Roll Call No. 333: Yeas 108, Nays 34, Absent 9).
- Final status (concurrence): PASSED TO BE ENACTED (in concurrence) — June 5, 2025.
Potential implications
If the bill establishes certification and program standards, expected outcomes could include:
- Better alignment between preapprenticeship training and registered apprenticeship/employer needs.
- Improved quality and consistency of preapprenticeship offerings.
- A clearer talent pipeline for in‑demand occupations.
Exact impacts (new regulatory requirements, funding changes, timelines for certification or reporting) depend on the full statutory language or the text of Committee Amendment H‑388.
Next steps / Where to get the full text
To provide a complete, provision‑by‑provision summary (definitions, obligations, timelines, penalties, funding details), please supply the engrossed bill text (post‑H‑388) or a link to the Legislature’s bill page for LD 1117. I can then produce a detailed analysis of each section and its legal/operational effects.
