SB 673 Maryland Senate · 2026 Regular Session

State Procurement - Apprenticeship Program Accountability and Completion

SB 673 requires state contractors working on covered projects (like construction or public works) to use registered apprenticeship programs that meet minimum completion rates set by the Maryland Department of Labor. Contractors must verify compliance through payments to the State Apprenticeship Training Fund or direct participation in approved programs. The bill amends existing procurement laws to hold contractors accountable for apprenticeship program effectiveness, aiming to improve workforce development outcomes. It takes effect October 1, 2026, and applies to all relevant state procurement contracts.

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Apr 2026

Senate Passage

Apr 2026

House of Delegates Passage

Apr 2026

Signed into Law

May 2026

Introduced Feb 6, 2026 Signed May 12, 2026

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What changed between versions

First - State Procurement - Apprenticeship Program Accountability and Completion → Third - State Procurement - Apprenticeship Program Accountability and Completion · 6 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to include new sections for repealing and reenacting specific state procurement laws, expanding the list of affected statutes. It introduces detailed definitions for various apprenticeship program types (e.g., group joint, waiver) and clarifies the 'completion rate' requirement to be at least 25% for registered programs. The changes also update the Secretary's role in administering these programs and modify the requirements for contractors to utilize apprenticeship or internship programs on public works projects.

Scope change

The bill's scope was expanded to include additional sections of the Annotated Code of Maryland (14-802, 17-201, 17-205) that were previously not listed for repeal and reenactment.

SCOPE

Added 14-802 and 17-201 to the list of sections being repealed and reenacted, broadening the legislative update.

DEFINITION

Replaced the generic 'Registered apprenticeship program' definition with specific definitions for six distinct program types: Group Joint, Group Nonjoint, Individual Joint, Individual Nonjoint, Waiver, and Registered Apprenticeship programs.

Changed the definition of 'Registered apprenticeship program' to require approval by the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning instead of the U.S. Department of Labor.

Added a new definition for 'Apprentice' specifying age (16+) and the requirement for a signed agreement detailing the trade and learning statement.

REQUIREMENT

Updated the 'Completion Rate' definition to specify different calculation methods based on whether the program is Group Nonjoint or another type.

Added a new requirement that contractors on projects valued at $1,000,000 or more must utilize a registered apprenticeship program or an eligible internship program.

Floor votes · Senate Mar 5, 2026 · House of Delegates Mar 25, 2026

How they voted

32–10

Passed · 7 other

Total votes 49

Mar 5, 2026

D Democratic36

31 Yea 5

86% Yea

R Republican13

1 Yea 10 Nay 2

76% Nay

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

May 12, 2026

Signed into law

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 532

executive

Apr 10, 2026

Upper · Passed

Returned Passed

upper

Apr 10, 2026

Lower · Passed

Third Reading Passed

lower

Apr 8, 2026

Lower · Passed

Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

lower

Apr 8, 2026

Lower · Passed

Favorable Report by Government, Labor, and Elections

lower

Mar 25, 2026

House Of Delegates · Passed

House of Delegates Vote: pass (119-13-10)

house of delegates

Mar 21, 2026

Committee

Referred Government, Labor, and Elections

lower

Mar 20, 2026

Upper · Passed

Third Reading Passed

upper

Mar 20, 2026

Upper · Passed

Favorable with Amendments {

upper

Mar 20, 2026

Upper · Passed

Favorable with Amendments Report by Budget and Taxation

upper

Mar 5, 2026

Senate · Passed

Senate Vote: pass (32-10-7)

senate

Feb 6, 2026

Committee

First Reading Budget and Taxation

upper

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors