The bill mandates that state registered apprenticeships in the building and construction trades provide behavioral health and wellness training. Specifically, it amends existing laws to allow applicants to count up to four hours of approved behavioral health and wellness training towards their continuing education requirements. This training must include at least two hours of instruction covering topics such as destigmatizing behavioral health, recognizing signs of distress, suicide prevention, substance use disorder awareness, and providing peer support. Additionally, starting July 1, 2027, all apprenticeship programs for building or construction trades must include this behavioral health and wellness training as part of their standards.

The bill also outlines the renewal process for certificates of competency, which includes a requirement for continuing education that now encompasses behavioral health training. It specifies that if a certificate is not renewed before its expiration, the individual must pay a doubled fee. Furthermore, the bill establishes a new section in the law that mandates the inclusion of behavioral health and wellness training in apprenticeship programs, ensuring that apprentices are equipped with the necessary skills to support their mental health and well-being in the workplace.

Statutes affected:
Substitute bill: 18.106.070, 19.28.211
Bill as passed Legislature: 18.106.070, 19.28.211
Session law: 18.106.070, 19.28.211