This bill aims to revise and clarify various aspects of the Registered Apprenticeship Program in Montana, specifically focusing on the duties of the Department of Labor and Industry, the credit for prior training or experience, and the voluntary nature of employer participation. Key amendments include the removal of the department's obligation to assist in developing on-the-job training programs for non-apprenticeable occupations and the clarification that participation in the apprenticeship program is voluntary for all employers. Additionally, the bill specifies that the responsibilities for related and supplemental instruction for apprentices will be managed by state and local boards in collaboration with the state apprenticeship agency.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a cap on the credit for prior training or experience that an apprentice can receive, limiting it to a maximum of 50%. It also modifies the language regarding the ratio of apprentices to journeymen, ensuring that existing labor/management agreements or industry practices are still recognized. Overall, these changes are intended to streamline the apprenticeship process and enhance the program's effectiveness while maintaining flexibility for employers.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 39-6-101, 39-6-103, 39-6-106, 39-6-107
HB0721_1(1): 39-6-101, 39-6-103, 39-6-106, 39-6-107
HB0721_1(2): 39-6-101, 39-6-103, 39-6-106, 39-6-107
HB0721_1(3): 39-6-101, 39-6-103, 39-6-106, 39-6-107
HB0721_1(4): 39-6-101, 39-6-103, 39-6-106, 39-6-107
HB0721_1(5): 39-6-101, 39-6-103, 39-6-106, 39-6-107
HB0721_1(6): 39-6-101, 39-6-103, 39-6-106, 39-6-107
HB0721_1: 39-6-101, 39-6-103, 39-6-106, 39-6-107
HB0721_X(1): 39-6-101, 39-6-103, 39-6-106, 39-6-107
HB0721_X(2): 39-6-101, 39-6-103, 39-6-106, 39-6-107
HB0721_X: 39-6-101, 39-6-103, 39-6-106, 39-6-107