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HB 3506

Modifies provisions relating to workforce requirements for public works projects

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Keri Ingle

Public works contracts in Missouri $150,000+ must include at least one federally registered apprentice performing work.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
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Bill Summary · HB 3506

Summary of HB 3506 (Session 2026, Missouri)

Purpose and intent

HB 3506 modifies Missouri’s public works workforce requirements. The bill aims to update rules governing the use of entry-level workers and federally registered apprentices on government-funded construction projects, with a specific provision requiring at least one federally registered apprentice on larger projects.

Key provisions and changes

  • On-the-job training wages

    • Employers may use entry-level workers and federally registered apprentices for on-the-job training.
    • The wage rate for on-the-job training workers remains at 50% of the applicable journeyman wage for the related occupational title in the locality.

  • Workforce composition on public works projects

    • The combined total of entry-level workers and federally registered apprentices must not exceed a one-to-one ratio with the number of journeyman workers in any given occupational title on a public works project (consistent with existing public works statutes in sections 290.210 to 290.340).

  • Apprenticeship requirement on large projects

    • For any public works project with a total project cost of $150,000 or more, the contract awarded by the public body must include a stipulation that at least one federally registered apprentice shall perform work under the contract.

Affected parties

  • Employers bidding on and performing Missouri public works projects

    • Subject to wage-rate and staffing ratio rules during on-the-job training.
    • Must ensure compliance with the apprenticeship stipulation on larger projects.

  • Federally registered apprentices

    • Potentially more inclusion on public works projects meeting the $150,000 threshold, given the contract stipulation.

  • Public bodies awarding contracts

    • Must insert the required apprenticeship stipulation in eligible contracts for projects valued at $150,000 or more.

  • Trade unions and apprenticeship programs

    • Could see changes in demand for federally registered apprentices on larger public works projects.

Procedural and timeline considerations

  • Repeal and replace

    • Section 290.235 is repealed and replaced with a newly enacted section 290.235, preserving the general framework but updating specific requirements.

  • Effective scope

    • Applicability hinges on project cost thresholds and the occupational titles involved, consistent with existing public works statutes in chapters 290.210 to 290.340.

  • Legislative action timeline

    • Introduced and read in the House; referred to Emerging Issues (H) on May 15, 2026.
    • Previous readings: read second time on February 27, 2026; introduced and read first time on February 26, 2026.

Practical impact and considerations

  • For projects under $150,000

    • The same on-the-job training wage and one-to-one staffing ratio rules apply, with no additional apprenticeship contract stipulation beyond existing requirements.

  • For projects $150,000 and above

    • Public contracts must explicitly require at least one federally registered apprentice to perform work, in addition to the existing ratio rules.
    • This could increase apprenticeship participation on larger public works, potentially affecting bid labor plans and subcontracting strategies.

  • Wage implications

    • On-the-job training remains at 50% of the journeyman wage, which continues to influence cost structures on training-oriented positions.

Overall, HB 3506 tightens the integration of federally registered apprentices on larger Missouri public works projects and reiterates wage and staffing framework for on-the-job training.

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

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