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Bill

HB 2492

Requiring state registered apprenticeships in the building and construction trades to provide behavioral health and wellness training.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by April Berg and 22 co-sponsors

Washington requires construction apprenticeships to include behavioral health and wellness training to address high suicide and substance abuse rates in the trades industry.

Effective date 6/11/2026.
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Bill Summary · HB 2492

Legislative bill overview

HB 2492 mandates that Washington state-registered apprenticeships in building and construction trades must incorporate behavioral health and wellness training into their curricula. The bill requires these apprenticeship programs to provide education on mental health, substance abuse prevention, stress management, and related wellness topics alongside traditional trade skills training.

Why is this important

Construction and building trades have significantly higher rates of suicide, substance abuse disorders, and mental health challenges compared to other industries. Integrating behavioral health training into apprenticeships early in workers' careers could improve long-term health outcomes, reduce occupational fatalities, and decrease healthcare costs while normalizing mental wellness discussions in traditionally male-dominated, high-stress industries.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs and burden: Apprenticeship programs may argue that adding mandatory behavioral health curriculum increases administrative costs and training time without corresponding funding mechanisms from the state
  • Curriculum scope and expertise: Uncertainty about what specific training content is required, who qualifies to deliver it, and whether trade instructors need special certifications to teach behavioral health topics
  • Industry resistance: Some construction employers may view mental health training as outside the scope of apprenticeship programs or fear it could stigmatize workers or create liability concerns

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

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