The bill amends the Public Works Apprentice and Training Act to require that all public works construction projects in New Mexico must have employers contribute to approved apprentice and training programs or to the public works apprentice and training fund. This requirement applies unless the project involves a craft or trade that is not recognized as apprenticeable by the relevant federal or state authorities. The bill also specifies that contributions must be made in accordance with wage rate determinations set by the workforce solutions department.

Additionally, the bill removes the previous exception for certain types of contracts, such as those for street, highway, bridge, road, utility, or maintenance work, where employers could opt out of training contributions. The workforce solutions department is tasked with administering the act, including collecting contributions, reviewing compliance, and enforcing penalties for noncompliance. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 13-4D-4