Labor & Employment (Apprenticeships)

in committee · Pennsylvania · House May 4, 2026

HB 2481: An Act amending the the act of October 24, 2012 (P.L.1209, No.151), known as the Child Labor Act, further providing for employment of minors in student-learner and apprenticeship programs; providing for a review of laws and regulations related to the employment of minors; and abrogating regulations.

This bill updates Pennsylvania's Child Labor Act to clarify how minors can participate in student-learner and apprenticeship programs, allowing them to work in these roles as long as it complies with existing federal laws. It also permits high school graduates who have finished such programs to continue working in those occupations without additional restrictions beyond federal standards. To ensure consistency, the legislation cancels specific outdated regulations and requires the Department of Labor and Industry to develop new rules within a year or have the old rules expire in three years.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill clarifies and expands opportunities for minors in student-learner and apprenticeship programs, strengthening workforce development and employment standards.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Apprenticeships Child Labor Labor Standards

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passed · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 16, 2026

SB 1260: An Act providing for licensure of electrical contractors, electricians, residential electricians, apprentice electricians and probationary electricians; establishing the State Board of Electrical Licensure; providing for powers and duties of the board; establishing fees, fines and penalties; and making an appropriation.

SB 1260 establishes the State Board of Electrical Licensure to regulate and oversee electrical contractors, electricians, residential electricians, and apprentices in Pennsylvania. The bill requires individuals performing electrical work to obtain specific licenses based on their role and experience, while also mandating liability insurance and continuing education for license holders. To enforce these standards, the legislation creates a system of fees, fines, and penalties for violations, along with procedures for suspending or revoking licenses when necessary.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill establishes licensure, insurance, and continuing education requirements to protect workers and ensure workplace safety standards.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Apprenticeships Professional Licensing Tags Licensing

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 14, 2026

SB 1280: An Act directing the Department of Education to establish a career and technical education program of study in shipbuilding and maritime trades; providing for grants and coordination with apprenticeship programs; and imposing powers and duties on the Department of Education.

This bill directs Pennsylvania's Department of Education to create a statewide curriculum for shipbuilding and maritime trades to support the state's growing maritime industry. The program will include hands-on training in skills like welding and pipe fitting, align with existing apprenticeships, and offer college credits to help students transition into these careers. To fund the initiative, the bill establishes a competitive grant program for schools to purchase equipment, train teachers, and launch new courses. Additionally, the Department of Education must work with labor groups and employers to ensure the training meets industry needs and submit annual reports on student participation and grant usage.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill establishes a new CTE program, provides grants for equipment and teacher training, and offers college credits to expand educational access.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill creates training programs and grants for maritime trades, expanding workforce skills and employment opportunities.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education Curriculum Higher Education Apprenticeships

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Mar 13, 2025

HB 904: An Act providing for school-to-work programs; establishing the CareerBound Program; providing for the CareerBound Tax Credit Program; and conferring powers and imposing duties on the Department of Community and Economic Development and the Department of Labor and Industry.

This bill creates the CareerBound Program to connect Pennsylvania students with high-priority job opportunities through school-to-work partnerships. It establishes a formal framework where schools, local workforce boards, and businesses collaborate to provide career exploration, relevant curriculum, and workplace exposure for students. The legislation also creates a tax credit program to encourage businesses to participate in these partnerships by offering financial incentives for hiring students in high-demand occupations. State agencies including the Department of Labor and Industry and the Department of Community and Economic Development will administer the program and oversee its implementation.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes tax credit program to encourage business participation in workforce development, providing fiscal incentives that support economic development and education funding.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill establishes CareerBound Program to connect students with job opportunities, expands career exploration curriculum, and creates tax incentives for business partnerships in education.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill creates CareerBound Program connecting students to job opportunities and provides tax credits for businesses hiring students, advancing workforce development and employment access.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Career & Technical Education Curriculum Apprenticeships Workforce Development

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Mar 17, 2025

SB 439: An Act amending the act of July 14, 1961 (P.L.604, No.304), known as The Apprenticeship and Training Act, further providing for powers and duties; providing for supervision; and abrogating a regulation.

SB 439 updates Pennsylvania's Apprenticeship and Training Act by establishing new supervisor-to-apprentice ratios based on occupational hazard levels determined using U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics fatality data. High-hazard jobs (9+ fatalities per 100,000 workers) require no more than three supervisors per apprentice, medium-hazard (2-9 fatalities) allows two supervisors, and low-hazard (≤2 fatalities) requires one supervisor. The bill mandates annual reviews of hazard classifications by the Department of Labor and Industry, with changes taking effect July 1 each year after public notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. This directly affects all apprenticeship programs in Pennsylvania, particularly those in industries like construction or manufacturing, by standardizing supervision requirements for safety and training consistency.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill establishes stricter supervisor ratios for high-hazard occupations using BLS fatality data, directly improving apprentice workplace safety protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Apprenticeships Workplace Safety

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 3, 2025

SB 818: An Act amending the act of October 6, 1998 (P.L.705, No.92), known as the Keystone Opportunity Zone, Keystone Opportunity Expansion Zone and Keystone Opportunity Improvement Zone Act, in preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in keystone opportunity zones, further providing for qualified businesses.

SB 818 amends Pennsylvania's Keystone Opportunity Zone (KOZ) Act to add new requirements for businesses seeking tax benefits. It mandates that businesses making capital investments over $25,000 for facility construction, repair, or renovation must ensure 70% of workers are "skilled craft laborers" (as defined by apprenticeship completion or equivalent experience) and that all workers receive the state-mandated prevailing wage. Violations of these wage requirements - such as intentional nonpayment - require businesses to refund all tax benefits received for that year. This affects KOZ businesses pursuing tax exemptions, deductions, abatements, or credits, directly linking labor standards to tax incentives. The bill integrates Pennsylvania's prevailing wage laws into KOZ tax compliance, effective 60 days after enactment.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesAdds wage/labor requirements to KOZ tax benefits, restricting eligibility and limiting tax advantages for businesses.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates state-mandated prevailing wage for all workers, directly protecting compensation standards under Labor & Employment policies.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Apprenticeships Labor Standards

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Mar 19, 2025

HB 963: An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, providing for Apprentice Education Expense Tax Credit Program and for powers of the Department of Revenue.

HB 963 creates a new tax credit program in Pennsylvania for employers covering educational expenses of apprentices. It allows employers to claim tax credits for up to $3,500 per qualifying apprentice toward tuition, books, and lab fees at eligible PA schools. To qualify, apprentices must be PA residents, at least 16, enrolled full-time in a U.S. Department of Labor-registered apprenticeship program, and employed by the claiming employer in Pennsylvania. The Department of Revenue administers the program, requiring electronic applications and setting eligibility criteria for schools and apprentices. This policy directly affects PA employers in registered apprenticeship programs and their apprentices pursuing postsecondary training.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates tax credit reducing employer tax liability for apprentice education expenses, providing direct tax relief and promoting workforce development through fiscal incentive.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill creates tax credit for employers covering apprentices' educational expenses (tuition, books, fees), directly expanding vocational training access. Aligns with topic's 'educational access' focus by reducing cost barriers for apprentices.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill creates tax credits for employer-paid apprentice education, advancing workforce development and training opportunities under labor/employment policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Higher Education Apprenticeships

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Mar 13, 2025

HB 891: An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, providing for Keystone State Apprenticeship Tax Credit; establishing the Keystone State Apprenticeship Tax Credit Program; and imposing duties on the Department of Labor and Industry.

HB 891 creates the Keystone State Apprenticeship Tax Credit Program, providing tax incentives to Pennsylvania businesses that hire apprentices. It directly affects employers participating in approved apprenticeship programs, with preference given to those training disadvantaged youth (low-income individuals aged 16-24) and businesses in key sectors like clean energy, healthcare, and technology. The program allocates up to $10 million annually in tax credits from 2025 to 2030, administered by the Department of Labor and Industry, which will determine eligibility and prioritize employers based on specific criteria like apprentice graduation rates and program novelty. Businesses must register apprenticeship agreements with the department to qualify for the credit.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates tax credit program for apprenticeship hiring, providing incentives to businesses and allocating $10M annually through tax credits, directly advancing tax policy for workforce development.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides tax incentives for apprenticeships training disadvantaged youth (16-24), expanding educational access for low-income individuals in key sectors.65% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill prioritizes clean energy businesses for tax credits, directly advancing renewable energy sector growth through incentives in key sectors.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentCreates tax credits for businesses hiring apprentices, prioritizing disadvantaged youth and key sectors, directly advancing workforce development and employment opportunities.92% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly prioritizes technology businesses for tax credits in apprenticeship programs, directly funding tech sector workforce development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Tax Incentives Renewable Energy Apprenticeships

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jan 30, 2025

HB 421: An Act protecting workers from training repayment agreement provisions; conferring powers and imposing duties on the Department of Labor and Industry; and imposing penalties.

HB 421 prohibits Pennsylvania employers from requiring employees to sign training repayment agreements as a condition of employment. The bill directly affects workers who might otherwise be forced to repay training costs if they leave a job, excluding government employers and agreements under collective bargaining. It makes such agreements void and unenforceable, with the Department of Labor and Industry empowered to investigate violations. Employers violating the law face civil penalties of up to $25,000 per violation, increasing to $25,000 per affected employee for repeat offenses. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProhibits employer-mandated training repayment agreements, directly protecting workers' rights from financial penalties upon job separation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Apprenticeships Labor Standards Workforce Development

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 30, 2025

HB 1349: An Act amending Title 74 (Transportation) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in administrative practice and procedure, providing for project labor agreement.

HB 1349 requires Pennsylvania's Department of Transportation to establish a project labor agreement for highway construction projects (including federally funded ones) when it determines such agreements promote labor stability, cost efficiency, and quality. The bill mandates that contractors and subcontractors on these projects must agree to the agreement, which includes requirements for 10% of the workforce to come from local hiring halls, goals for apprenticeship hours (including underrepresented groups), and guarantees against strikes. It directly affects highway construction contractors, subcontractors, and labor organizations involved in state or federally funded projects. The department must publicly notify about the agreement during bidding and submit annual reports tracking project usage and workforce statistics.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates project labor agreements requiring 10% local hiring and apprenticeship goals, advancing worker opportunities and employment standards in highway construction projects.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationMandates project labor agreements for highway construction to promote cost efficiency, quality, and local hiring, directly supporting infrastructure development within transportation policy.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Apprenticeships Roads & Highways Vehicle Registration

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