South Dakota Senate Bill SB67

South Dakota 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/14/25
• Refer: 1/21/25
• Report Pass: 1/30/25
• Report Pass: 2/3/25

Caption

Establish the state office of apprenticeship within the Department of Labor and Regulation.

Impact

The establishment of the state office for apprenticeship is expected to have significant implications on workforce development strategies within South Dakota. With the implementation of this bill, registered apprenticeship programs will be standardized under state governance, offering a unified set of guidelines and expectations for both apprentices and program sponsors. This is anticipated to improve the quality of apprenticeships offered and enhance job readiness among participants, which is crucial for meeting labor market demands.

Summary

Senate Bill 67 aims to establish the state office of apprenticeship within the Department of Labor and Regulation in South Dakota. This initiative is articulated to enhance the structure and oversight of apprenticeship programs across the state, aligning with federal standards for such institutions. The introduction of this office seeks to create a standardized approach to apprenticeship agreements, focusing on the formal recognition of occupations which require a systematic learning progression through on-the-job training and related instruction.

Contention

As with any new legislative framework, SB67 may face varied opinions on its efficacy and scope. Proponents argue that providing a formal structure for apprenticeships is essential for economic growth and job creation in specialized trades. However, there could be concerns regarding the bureaucracy of managing such programs and whether it might inadvertently deter small businesses from implementing apprenticeship programs due to increased regulatory requirements. The requirement for rules and standards to be compliant with existing federal regulations also opens avenues for potential contention between state and federal interpretations.