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SD 2331

An Act utilizing apprenticeship programs for career paths in construction

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Paul Feeney and 1 co-sponsor

Public works contracts over $1M must require bidders to use approved apprenticeship programs for each apprenticeable trade, otherwise bids may be re-solicited.

House concurred
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Bill Summary · SD 2331

Summary: SD 2331 – An Act utilizing apprenticeship programs for career paths in construction

Overview

  • Bill Number: SD 2331 (Senate Docket)
  • Title: An Act utilizing apprenticeship programs for career paths in construction
  • Introduced: February 27, 2025 (Filed January 17, 2025)
  • Status: House concurred (reflecting advancement in the Legislature)
  • Primary Sponsor: Sen. Paul R. Feeney; Sen. Marcus S. Vaughn
  • Committee history: Referred to the Senate on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight; House concurrence followed on the same date

Purpose and intent

The bill aims to maximize the use of apprenticeship programs to create pathways into construction careers on state and municipal public works projects. It seeks to ensure that bidders for public construction contracts actively participate in bona fide apprenticeship training as a condition of eligibility, with the goal of developing a skilled, trained workforce while promoting career advancement in the construction trades.

Key provisions

  • Definitions (Section 1–4)

    • “Bid”: Any bid, proposal, or quote for public works performance.
    • “Construction contract”: Public works contract exceeding $1,000,000.
    • “Public agency”: Commonwealth or political subdivisions and related contracting entities.
    • “Public works”: Construction, alteration, remodeling, repair, or demolition of public buildings or works.

  • Apprenticeship requirement (Section 5(a))

    • For any construction contract over $1,000,000, all construction managers, general contractors, and subcontractors must maintain or participate in a bona fide apprenticeship training program for each apprenticeable trade represented in their workforce.
    • Programs must be approved by the Division of Apprentice Standards (Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development) and apprentices must be registered with the Division.
    • Bidders must adhere to the apprentice-to-journeyman ratio specified for each trade.
    • If no qualified bidder submits a bid with such a program, the public agency may re-solicit bids for that work category without these apprenticeship requirements.
    • The program requirement is not intended to create an ERISA employee benefits plan.

  • Eligibility and bid considerations (Section 5(b))

    • Bidders that do not maintain or participate in the required apprentice program for each represented apprenticeable trade will not be regarded as responsible and eligible bidders.

  • Severability (Section 6)

    • If any provision conflicts with state or federal law, the remainder of the act remains in effect.

Who is affected

  • Public agencies and authorities awarding public works contracts over $1,000,000.
  • Construction managers, general contractors, and subcontractors bidding on these projects.
  • Apprentices and sponsors registered with the Massachusetts Division of Apprentice Standards.

Procedural/timeline notes

  • Filed and introduced in January 2025; referred to February 27, 2025.
  • On the same date, the House concurred, indicating movement toward potential final enactment subject to subsequent votes and reconciliations.

Potential impact

  • Increased emphasis on apprenticeship participation in major public works, potentially expanding opportunities for apprentices and improving skilled labor pipelines.
  • Administrative requirements for registration, program approval, and adherence to ratios may impose compliance obligations on bidders.
  • If no qualified bidders participate, projects may be re-bid without the apprenticeship requirements, allowing flexibility in procurement.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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