HB 3881
Adds school districts that apply for and receive a matching fund grant from the Department of Education to the definition of "qualifying agency" for the purpose of applying apprenticeship requirements in connection with constructing public improvement projects.
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
61%
Oppose
39%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill expands the definition of "qualifying agency" to include school districts that apply for and receive matching fund grants from the Department of Education. It requires these school districts, along with education service districts and public charter schools, to incorporate apprenticeship requirements into public improvement projects they oversee. The bill also includes provisions for reporting apprenticeship data and reducing payments to contractors who fail to meet these requirements, aiming to increase workforce participation in construction projects.
Key provisions
- Adds school districts receiving Department of Education grants to the definition of ‘qualifying agency’.
- Requires qualifying agencies (including school districts) to include apprenticeship requirements in public improvement contracts.
- Specifies reporting requirements for contractors regarding apprenticeship data.
- Establishes a process for reducing payments to contractors who don’t meet apprenticeship requirements.
- Requires contractors to demonstrate compliance with wage and safety laws.
- Includes a provision for outreach and recruitment of women, minority individuals, and veterans in construction projects.
- Exempts contractors with project labor agreements with school districts.
- Sets a minimum apprenticeship requirement of 12% of work hours for apprenticesable occupations.
Who is affected
- School districts
- Education service districts
- Public charter schools
- Construction contractors
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsors
Cosponsors
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of House Bill 3881 agree that establishing minimum registered apprenticeship employment standards for K-12 school construction projects funded by State Treasury funds is crucial for promoting the recruitment of historically underrepresented workers in the industry, ensuring high-quality training and career pathways for workers, and aligning public investments with workforce development. Many the importance of preparing Oregon's workforce for the growing construction industry, highlighting the need for registered apprenticeships and equitable access to living-wage construction careers. By expanding apprenticeship utilization to K-12 school construction projects, supporters aim to provide students with real-world experience and training opportunities in the construction trades, promote a skilled labor pipeline, and contribute directly to building a skilled workforce that benefits Oregonians.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Opponents of the legislation express concerns that it will create barriers for school districts in need of modernization support, while also imposing unattainable mandates on contractors of K12 projects. They argue that workforce development efforts should focus on encouraging middle and high schoolers, as well as adults, to explore careers in construction, rather than placing an unattainable burden on contractors. Additionally, opponents point out potential inefficiencies in funding allocation, citing instances where larger OSCIM grants have been awarded than local bond amounts, which may indicate a need for further review of priorities. Furthermore, some concerns about the bill's impact on small, rural school districts, including increased uncertainty and costs that could jeopardize voter trust, as well as imposing unfair financial and administrative burdens on public charter schools and rural districts.