Louisiana House Bill HB196

Louisiana 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/24/20
• Refer: 2/24/20
• Refer: 3/9/20

Caption

Requires certain employers to designate no less than two percent of the man-hours in any apprenticeable occupation to registered apprentices for certain construction projects

Impact

The proposed legislation impacts the relationship between employers who benefit from state economic incentives and the workforce training programs. By stipulating that employers must reserve a specific portion of their man-hours for apprentices, it aims to integrate more structured apprenticeship training into construction projects supported by state funding. The bill effectively emphasizes the importance of apprenticeships in developing local talent and skilled labor, thereby supporting the economic growth of the state.

Summary

House Bill 196 aims to enhance the opportunities for registered apprentices within the construction industry in Louisiana. The bill mandates that employers participating in state economic development programs allocate at least two percent of man-hours in apprenticeable occupations to registered apprentices on new construction or expansion projects. This requirement is intended to promote job training and create a skilled workforce, while also ensuring that significant state benefits conferred to these employers result in direct employment opportunities for apprentices.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 196 appears generally positive among proponents, as it supports workforce development initiatives that can lead to increased employment for young people and the creation of skilled labor. Advocates argue that fostering apprenticeship programs is a crucial step towards resolving labor shortages in the construction sector. Some concerns may arise from the implementation logistics and whether employers can realistically meet the new requirements, particularly in areas where there are insufficient apprentices available.

Contention

Notable points of contention may include the feasibility of mandating a two percent allocation for apprentices given the varying availability of registered apprentices across different regions of the state. There may be concerns from employers related to the potential difficulty in fulfilling this requirement, particularly if the workforce lacks sufficient registered apprentices. The bill also potentially places additional regulatory obligations on employers, which could be regarded as burdensome by some stakeholders. Ensuring that waivers can be granted in cases of insufficient apprentice availability will be key to addressing these issues.