House subcommittee advances HB 850 to appropriations, adds contractor training and apprenticeship requirements

Chair McClure reported the open government subcommittee’s recommendation on HB 850 and moved a subcommittee substitute that the committee approved and sent to Appropriations (clerk reported 14–5).

McClure summarized the substitute: “HB 850 as amended provides that public body shall require the contractor and its subcontractors for any capital outlay project as defined in the bill to complete certain safety training programs, maintain records of compliance with applicable laws and participate in approved apprenticeship training programs.” He added the substitute includes exemptions for lack of apprentice availability and high cost and that the bill’s provisions no longer apply to transportation-related construction projects in excess of $250,000. The bill has a delayed effective date of 07/01/2027.

Supporters said the requirements aim to standardize contractor safety practices and strengthen apprenticeship pathways tied to public capital projects. The committee did not detail fiscal estimates during the subcommittee discussion; members noted that exemptions were included to address availability and cost concerns for smaller contractors.

The committee motion to report the substitute and refer HB 850 to Appropriations passed and the clerk recorded the report as referred to Appropriations 14–5.

What happens next: HB 850 will be considered by the Appropriations Committee for any fiscal impact and funding implications before further action in the House.