Bill description: HB 542 would give preferential treatment to public works contractors that offer apprenticeships.

Rating: -1

Does it increase government redistribution of wealth? Examples include the use of tax policy or other incentives to reward specific interest groups, businesses, politicians, or government employees with special favors or perks; transfer payments; and hiring additional government employees. Conversely, does it decrease government redistribution of wealth? 


When a public agency is going to construct a new facility, infrastructure, or other public work, the agency is required to go through a competitive, sealed bid process. Prior to submitting a bid, the state can require that all companies to go through a prequalification process, in which companies are required to demonstrate competency, reliability, prior experience, and other relevant characteristics. Companies that do not pass the pre-qualification process are not allowed to participate in the bidding process.

HB 542 would add to the list of required characteristics for the prequalification phase the contractor’s participation with an apprenticeship program, which is registered with the federal Department of Labor. By adding this characteristic to the list of qualifications, HB 542 would give preferential treatment to certain contractors not for their ability to complete a job, but for external factors that the state is trying to promote.

(-1)