This bill mandates that state registered apprenticeships in the building and construction trades provide behavioral health and wellness training. It amends existing laws, specifically RCW 18.106.070 and 19.28.211, to allow applicants to count up to four hours of approved behavioral health and wellness training towards their continuing education requirements. The 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, a new section is added to chapter 49.04 RCW, which stipulates that starting July 1, 2027, all apprenticeship programs for building or construction trades must include behavioral health and wellness training as part of their curriculum. This training is required to be at least two hours long and is separate from the minimum instruction hours already mandated for these programs. The bill aims to enhance the overall well-being of apprentices in the construction industry by equipping them with essential knowledge and skills related to mental health and wellness.

Statutes affected:
Substitute bill: 18.106.070, 19.28.211