Louisiana House Bill HB487

Louisiana 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/3/22
• Refer: 3/3/22
• Refer: 3/14/22

Caption

Requires a contractor for a state construction project to designate no less than two percent of man-hours in any apprenticeable occupation to registered apprentices

Impact

The bill aims to enhance employment opportunities and training for aspiring tradespeople in Louisiana. By requiring contractors to allocate a specific percentage of their labor to apprentices, it seeks to instill a culture of mentorship in the construction industry. The provision also includes a waiver system that allows contractors to bypass the two percent requirement if there are insufficient registered apprentices available. This combination aims to strike a balance between promoting apprenticeship and ensuring construction projects can proceed without significant delays.

Summary

House Bill 487 mandates that any contractor undertaking a state construction project designates at least two percent of man-hours in apprenticeable occupations to registered apprentices. This law is framed as a means to bolster workforce development by providing young individuals with practical, hands-on experience in skilled trades. The bill retains the existing requirement for the director of apprenticeship to approve all apprenticeship agreements, thereby ensuring the adherence to established training standards.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 487 appears to be largely supportive, as it is viewed as a pro-employment initiative aimed at addressing skill shortages in the construction sector. Legislators and advocates for workforce development emphasize the importance of apprenticeships as a pathway to gainful employment and a skilled workforce. However, concerns could arise regarding the practical implementation of the two percent rule and the criteria for granting waivers, which may require further scrutiny to ensure the bill achieves its intended goals.

Contention

One point of contention may arise from the waiver provisions, where the executive director of the Louisiana Workforce Commission can certify a lack of registered apprentices. Critics might argue this could lead to loopholes or reduced accountability in meeting apprenticeship commitments. There's also the challenge of ensuring that the prescribed two percent allocation genuinely benefits apprentices by providing them adequate learning opportunities rather than simply fulfilling a regulatory requirement.