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SB 964

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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Cory McCray

Maryland requires public works contractors to employ apprentices at set workforce percentages, expanding apprenticeship opportunities while potentially raising project costs.

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Bill Summary · SB 964

Legislative bill overview

SB 964 requires contractors on public works projects in Maryland to employ apprentices at specified percentages of their workforce. The bill mandates that a portion of labor hours on state-funded construction projects be filled by registered apprentices, with requirements potentially scaling based on project size or duration.

Why is this important

This legislation directly impacts the construction industry's workforce development by creating guaranteed demand for apprenticeship positions, potentially increasing training opportunities and career pathways. It also affects public project costs, contractor bidding practices, and may influence labor availability across Maryland's construction sector.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: Contractors may argue apprentices require supervision and have lower productivity, increasing project costs and potentially raising taxpayer expenses for public infrastructure
  • Workforce availability: The bill's feasibility depends on sufficient apprenticeship program capacity; shortage of registered apprentices could make compliance difficult or impossible for some contractors
  • Competitive impact: Small and minority-owned contractors may face disproportionate compliance burdens compared to larger firms with established apprenticeship pipelines, potentially affecting their ability to bid competitively
  • Labor market effects: Unions and non-union contractors may have conflicting interests regarding how apprenticeship requirements are structured and which programs qualify

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

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