Labor & Employment (Apprenticeships)

This bill requires electric utilities in Michigan to include specific labor conditions in contracts for building or maintaining data centers. Under the new rules, these projects must use registered apprenticeship programs, pay workers at least the prevailing local wage and fringe benefit rates, and utilize project labor agreements or collective bargaining agreements. The legislation defines data centers as facilities housing equipment for data storage and processing and aims to ensure fair labor standards for construction work without speculating on future economic impacts.

This bill establishes new requirements for construction contracts related to enterprise data centers in Michigan, mandating that owners prioritize hiring local union workers before considering those from other regions or states. Contractors must also ensure that at least 10% of total labor hours are performed by registered apprentices, unless the state determines they are unavailable for specific job roles. To enforce these rules, the legislation requires contractors to document their hiring efforts, submit detailed workforce reports, and face potential penalties such as the loss of tax exemptions if they fail to comply.

This bill creates a new corporate income tax credit for Michigan employers who train apprentices and employ students in career and technical education programs. Starting in 2026, eligible businesses can receive tax credits covering up to 50% of certain training expenses or $2,000 per apprentice or student, with small businesses under 50 employees receiving an additional 10% bonus credit. The credit applies to qualified expenses such as wages, benefits, and classroom instruction costs, and any unused portion can be refunded to the taxpayer. Additionally, the bill requires the state Department of Labor to annually report on program participation, employment outcomes, and the fiscal impact of the credits to legislative committees.

This bill requires employers in Michigan to pay employees their regular hourly wage for time spent participating in mandatory fall prevention training programs. The law applies to any employer who must ensure their staff complete the fall prevention training established under state public health regulations. By compensating workers for this required training time, the bill aims to remove financial barriers that might prevent employees from completing safety education. The legislation creates a new legal requirement for wage payment specifically tied to fall prevention training participation.

HB 4279 would create a new apprenticeship program for Michigan National Guard members, allowing them to earn industry-recognized certifications while serving. The bill establishes a formal structure for training in high-demand fields like engineering and information technology, directly affecting Guard members seeking to build civilian career skills. Key provisions include requiring the Michigan National Guard to develop partnerships with employers and educational institutions to design the apprenticeships. The legislation is currently pending in committee review and has not yet been enacted.

HB 4762 allows youth aged 16 or older to work in residential building construction under specific safety conditions. It requires minors to hold an OSHA 10-hour certification, complete a state-approved trades program, and work under direct supervision by a qualified adult (21+ with OSHA certification and 2+ years experience). The bill prohibits work on structures over 6 feet tall (like roofs or scaffolding) and restricts employment to single-family home renovations. This directly affects 16+ year olds seeking construction work in Michigan, expanding opportunities while prioritizing safety through mandatory training and supervision.