Labor & Employment (Apprenticeships)

introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 24, 2025

LC 213: Revise laws relating to apprenticeship programs

This bill updates Montana's apprenticeship laws to clarify the roles of the Department of Labor and Industry and ensure apprenticeship programs remain voluntary for employers. It requires the department to register and oversee apprenticeship agreements, report biennially to the governor and legislature, and use prevailing wage rates as a baseline for calculating apprentice wages. The bill also specifies that apprentices must be at least 16 years old and receive at least 2,000 hours of on-the-job training plus 144 hours of related instruction annually, while allowing credit for prior training or experience up to 50%. Employers retain the option to transfer training obligations to approved facilities and may request termination during a probationary period.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill strengthens apprenticeship programs by clarifying roles, ensuring voluntary participation, and establishing wage baselines, protecting worker training opportunities.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Apprenticeships Labor Standards Professional Licensing

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 28, 2025

LC 420: Provide for apprenticeship programs for certain license types

This bill requires Montana licensing boards to grant professional licenses to individuals who complete nationally recognized apprenticeship programs in specific occupations, including barbering, nursing, plumbing, and electrical work. The legislation mandates that apprenticeship applicants meet the same examination and fee requirements as those who complete traditional educational programs before seeking licensure. It authorizes relevant state boards to create rules for implementing these apprenticeship pathways and explicitly lists the professional categories eligible for this alternative training route. The law applies to over 20 different license types across multiple state boards, allowing hands-on training as a valid alternative to classroom-based education for these professions.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill expands access to professional licensure through apprenticeship programs, enhancing workforce development and employment opportunities for workers in regulated trades.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Apprenticeships Professional Licensing Tags Licensing

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 12, 2025

LC 2674: Revise apprenticeship program laws relating to the state electrical board

This bill updates Montana's apprenticeship requirements for electricians by allowing individuals to qualify for journeyman and residential electrician licenses through either state-approved programs or substantially equivalent training. It establishes specific experience thresholds, requiring 8,000 hours for journeyman electricians and 4,000 hours for residential electricians, while also recognizing union or trade association training programs as valid pathways. The legislation clarifies definitions of legal practical experience and electrical maintenance work, ensuring that experience gained outside of completed apprenticeships counts toward licensure. These changes directly affect current and aspiring electricians seeking professional licensure in Montana by providing more flexible qualification options.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill clarifies apprenticeship pathways and recognizes union training programs, strengthening worker qualification options and supporting labor standards.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Apprenticeships Collective Bargaining Professional Licensing

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signed · Montana · House May 19, 2025

HB 908: Generally revise employee tax credit laws to include apprentices

This bill expands Montana's job growth incentive tax credit program to include apprentices working in the construction industry. It amends state tax laws to officially classify construction apprentices as "qualifying new employees" for the purpose of calculating tax credits when employers hire them. Companies hiring apprentices in construction can now receive the same annual tax credit benefits as those hiring other new employees, provided the apprentices meet specific wage and employment duration requirements. The legislation also updates administrative procedures for how the Department of Labor and Industry processes credit applications and audits employer claims. These changes are set to remain in effect through December 31, 2028.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill expands tax credit program for apprentices, promoting job growth and economic development through fiscal incentives.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill expands tax incentives for hiring apprentices, strengthening workforce development and employment opportunities in construction.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Apprenticeships

died · Montana · Legislature May 22, 2025

LC 2217: Provide for in-demand skilled trades investment pilot program

Bill LC 2217 proposed a pilot program to provide state funding for training and apprenticeships in high-demand skilled trades, such as construction and manufacturing, targeting workers facing labor shortages. The bill would have allocated resources to support workforce development initiatives directly benefiting workers seeking career opportunities and employers needing qualified staff. However, the bill was assigned to a drafter in December 2024 but died in the legislative process on May 22, 2025, without becoming law.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill allocates state funding for skilled trades training/apprenticeships, directly supporting workers' career opportunities and addressing labor shortages in high-demand sectors.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Apprenticeships Workforce Development

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Mar 27, 2025

LC 1364: Generally revise employee tax credit laws to include apprentices

This bill expands Montana's job growth tax credit to include construction industry apprentices as "qualifying new employees." It amends Section 39-11-404 to explicitly define apprentices as eligible for the credit, which previously required hiring full-time employees meeting specific wage and growth thresholds. Employers in the construction industry that hire apprentices will now qualify for the same annual tax credit as those hiring other new employees, subject to existing requirements (e.g., 10+ apprentices in the first year, 15+ annually after). The credit remains tied to net employee growth calculations and is administered by the Montana Department of Revenue. The policy change applies to credits claimed through 2028.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands tax credit for construction apprentices, providing tax relief to employers under revenue program, aligning with fiscal responsibility indicators.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExpands tax credit eligibility for construction apprentices, incentivizing employer hiring and workforce development under Labor & Employment policy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Tax Credits Apprenticeships

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signed · Montana · House May 5, 2025

HB 336: Provide for apprenticeship programs for certain license types

HB 336 establishes an alternative pathway for individuals to obtain professional licenses in various occupations through apprenticeship programs. It requires state boards and programs to grant licenses to applicants who successfully complete a nationally recognized apprenticeship in their field. This applies to a wide range of professions, including barbers, cosmetologists, addiction counselors, licensed practical nurses, plumbers, and electricians. Applicants pursuing licensure via an apprenticeship must still meet the same examination and fee requirements as those who complete traditional educational programs.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentEstablishes apprenticeship pathway for professional licenses, expanding workforce access to regulated professions and advancing employment standards under Labor & Employment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Apprenticeships Professional Licensing Workforce Development Tags Licensing