Bill
S 2148
Require bidders on public construction contracts over $1,000,000 to maintain or participate in approved apprenticeship programs for each trade in their workforce.
Note on discrepancies
- The metadata you provided references a New York “violence in mass media research program” and lists federal/state sponsors and committees that do not match the bill text. The bill text you supplied is a Massachusetts Senate bill (Senate No. 2148) titled “An Act utilizing apprenticeship programs for career paths in construction.” This summary is based on the bill text supplied. Please verify the correct bill number and jurisdiction if you need a summary tied to the metadata.
Purpose
- Require participation in approved apprenticeship training programs as a condition for bidding on certain public construction contracts, with the goal of expanding registered apprenticeships and career-path opportunities in the construction trades.
Key definitions (from the bill)
- Bid: any bid, proposal, or quote for work on a public works project.
- Construction contract: any public works contract valued in excess of $1,000,000.
- Public agency: state or local departments, authorities, political subdivisions, or parties contracting/subcontracting for public works.
- Public works: construction, reconstruction, alteration, remodeling, repair, or demolition of public buildings/works.
Major provisions
- Bidder eligibility: As a condition of bidding on public construction contracts over $1,000,000, construction managers, general contractors, and subcontractors at all levels must maintain or participate in a “bona fide” apprentice training program (per Mass. G.L. c.23, §§11H–11I) for each apprenticeable trade in their workforce.
- Approval and registration: Programs must be approved by the Division of Apprentice Standards (Executive Office of Labor & Workforce Development). Contractors must register all apprentices with that Division and observe the statutory apprentice-to-journeyman ratios for each trade during performance on public works.
- Ineligible bidders: Bidders who do not maintain/participate in such approved apprenticeship programs for applicable trades “shall not be regarded as a responsible and eligible bidder.”
- Exception: If a public agency receives no bids from qualified/responsible bidders that maintain or participate in such programs, the agency may resolicit bids for that work category without the apprenticeship requirement.
- ERISA carve-out: The section does not require an apprenticeship program to qualify as an ERISA employee welfare benefit plan.
- Severability: If any provision is found to conflict with state or federal law, remaining provisions remain in force.
Who is affected
- Public agencies procuring construction work.
- Construction managers, general contractors, and subcontractors bidding on public construction contracts > $1,000,000.
- Existing and prospective apprentices and journeymen in apprenticeable trades.
- Potentially small contractors or firms without approved programs (may be excluded unless no qualified bidders exist).
Potential impacts
- Workforce development: Likely increase in demand for registered apprenticeship slots and greater employer investment in training.
- Procurement effects: Could narrow the pool of eligible bidders to those with approved apprenticeship programs, potentially affecting competition, pricing, and project timing.
- Administrative/compliance requirements: Contractors must secure program approval, register apprentices, and track/certify apprentice-to-journeyman ratios.
- Equity and market access: Smaller contractors may need support or time to form approved programs or partner with existing programs to remain eligible.
Procedural/status notes (from provided actions)
- Multiple, inconsistent entries were provided (referred to different committees, hearings scheduled, reported favorably and referred to Senate Ways & Means). Confirm current legislative status with the appropriate state legislative clerk or website for an authoritative timeline.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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