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An Act To Expand Workforce Access by Creating Apprenticeship Programs To Increase Access to Licensure in Certain Occupations
 
CONCEPT DRAFT SUMMARY
This bill is a concept draft pursuant to Joint Rule 208.
This bill proposes to enact the Expanded Workforce Access Act of 2019, which will authorize the use of apprenticeships as an alternative means of obtaining licenses to perform certain occupations. Occupations included under this Act may include, but are not limited to, barbering or limited barbering and nail technology.
This bill will expand access to the workforce by allowing individuals to fulfill licensing requirements through participation in apprenticeship programs, thus allowing participants to earn a paycheck at the same time as they acquire hands-on training and experience. Under this bill:
1. The licensing boards for the occupations that are included in this expanded apprenticeship program will grant licenses to applicants who meet criteria established by the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation;
2. The criteria established may include, without limitation:
A. Successful completion of the 8th grade;
B. Completion of an apprenticeship that is approved by the Department of Labor or the United States Department of Labor or in accordance with any applicable state or federal law. For purposes of this bill, "apprenticeship" is defined as a program that meets the federal guidelines set out in 29 United States Code, Section 50 and 29 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 29; and
C. Successful completion of any necessary examination, as determined by the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation. The passing score on an examination for a participant in the expanded apprenticeship model may not exceed the passing score that is otherwise required under the rules adopted by the applicable licensing board. If the rules adopted by the applicable licensing board do not otherwise require successful completion of an examination, an examination may not be required for participation in the expanded apprenticeship program.
3. The Department of Professional and Financial Regulation will be required to adopt rules necessary to implement the expanded apprenticeship program, including limitations on the length of and the numbers of hours required by each authorized apprenticeship.