[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6339739,"mediaKeyId","2260805-7a45f5b938719ff04a2f6b695d703dcd","parentId",2260805,"title","Apprenticeship bill draws fierce pro and con testimony over standards, competition and tribal inclusion","audioSeconds",2129,"startMs",2593000,"endMs",4722000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2260805-7a45f5b938719ff04a2f6b695d703dcd&start=2593&end=4722","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2260805-7a45f5b938719ff04a2f6b695d703dcd/thumbnail_2593000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6339739/Washington/Apprenticeship-bill-draws-fierce-pro-and-con-testimony-over-standards-competition-and-tribal-inclusion","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6339739-e6675bc21548cb6c4bf6ab4d4781109a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771033012&Signature=m39kyi4fAeCTUvvJsfQb2zSDfx6i5Wa9JkZ4nz66LFA3GFfyEWHj6GcInrFKgvENS3dIx2aPf31BBqhGug9eyEE1MLCr3bErIz6qboQM6qzkec7qgGoZR3ne7jP7jU-Aoq7XIUqcxWdWbWKUhJ0MH5EdNSsjI9pMRWVWBspowkLEtTcwL-3xesFRh2f1KmpIJAVs1Sz8fm7y-sO7WYCkFsYKjYNbhv1rom7QlWF-Nzok6P1857e4iXZyKUhG~VXk2dT62rCtnF-sDdDoKiFpcnzIUoYK464qNz0RE2kngRrZNjQlTLzKlrUwTAWQkp5lWMHu-KuMBP3zgjWFEvr1iQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","House Postsecondary Education & Workforc","date","2025-02-11T00:00:00Z","article","The House Postsecondary Education & Workforce Committee on Feb. 11, 2025, heard extensive testimony on House Bill 1777, which would modify the process by which the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council approves apprenticeship programs and resolves competitor objections. Staff described the bill as requiring the council to approve programs that meet statutory and council-adopted standards, providing provisional 12‑month registration (extendable), expediting federal approvals and permitting sanctions for frivolous objections.

Sponsor Representative Suzanne Schmidt (4th District) framed the bill as a response to a persistent workforce shortage and to obstacles that prevent new apprenticeship sponsors from getting programs registered quickly. Schmidt said delays and legal costs — she cited industry testimony estimating up to $200,000 and two to three years for some approvals — discourage sponsorship and cost state workforce capacity. Schmidt argued the bill would reduce bottlenecks, help convert interest generated by high school outreach into training seats and expedite federal programs where state requirements are not materially different.

Proponents included trade associations, employers and tribal leaders. Carolyn Logue of Associated Builders and Contractors Inland Pacific emphasized access for small and rural nonunion employers. Emily Whitman of the Association of Washington Business said competitor objections are a major bottleneck, adding procedural boxes that can delay approval. Lummi Nation representatives asked for explicit recognition of tribal-sponsored apprenticeship programs and noted delays for tribal programs such as industrial maintenance apprenticeships.

Opponents included major building-trades unions and organized labor, which said Washington’s higher state standards protect safety, worker training quality and long-term employability. Joe Kindo of the Washington State Labor Council said the bill risks substituting federal standards that may favor corporate interests over local safety and training outcomes. Heather Kurtenbach of the Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council and Matthew Hepner of the Certified Electrical Workers of Washington argued that state standards are a national model and that the competitor-objection process is a necessary check; they urged more time to assess L&I’s revised mediation pilot before changing the law.

Several testifiers described the existing process. Keeley Friesen (Vertical Options Elevator Services) and Paul Briganti (Associated Builders and Contractors of Western Washington) described cases where programs met technical reviews yet faced multiple objections and lengthy legal processes. Opponents said mediation and recent council rule changes should be allowed to operate before statutory revisions are made.

Questions from members covered federal-vs-state standards, the definition of “competitor,” timelines for mediation and adjudication, and potential sanctions for frivolous objections. Staff noted a fiscal note had been requested and was not yet available. The committee did not take a final vote during the hearing; members asked for additional information and indicated willingness to continue negotiations with stakeholders.

Ending: The bill drew sharply divided testimony from employers, tribal leaders and labor unions. Committee members asked staff to track implementation of recent administrative changes and to provide any outstanding fiscal analysis before additional action.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Postsecondary Education & Workforce - 2/11/2025 1:30 PM","oneSentenceSummary","House Bill 1777 would change how the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council approves programs and handles competitor objections; supporters said it would remove barriers to new programs, while unions and trades warned it would weaken state standards.","taxTitle","Postsecondary Education & Workforce, House of Representatives, Legislative Sessions, Washington","taxId",20275,"location","Washington","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6339744,"Committee hears bill to let off-duty officers accept honoraria when speaking in college classrooms",833,1742000,2575000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2260805-7a45f5b938719ff04a2f6b695d703dcd&start=1742&end=2575","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2260805-7a45f5b938719ff04a2f6b695d703dcd/thumbnail_1742000.jpg","/articles/6339744/Washington/Committee-hears-bill-to-let-off-duty-officers-accept-honoraria-when-speaking-in-college-classrooms","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6339744-b5d2c5fc16c092142118b3f24f60758c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771033012&Signature=gniW5dYnOYMQbiYlfN5xXxzbODzsRhZQS3Mct85HWTcH~wLxOE65jtOeJQ8jrcH2wSipRf6zyCSggSiDLRAcNz3X1DRNDhfLqSHC7b8k60eOMcIqzfcVpR6qyETdjowz17yGh-lZOd4nZYrTI-fXVyVQSFXrxg5GLU-YnxurSNWF9oCCuoPtXEDwRFgsjYdHcoWiBNHYMamqGYdk7Y9RiUx3zkG4~48rYHVy6bqg~VEITtIspwPxALMUJfr5JVUl76AYIWUV3vbVbRQ3OgPU6Nl23mJH1QzPFakKJUT33DpGWCkx3hbrlnPiQz0vR3mglSfpxRerz7hsXRMzvyOwrQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Postsecondary Education & Workforce Committee held a public hearing on House Bill 1783 on Feb. 11, 2025. The bill, sponsored by Representative Gloria Mendoza, would allow off-duty law-enforcement officers to receive honoraria from institutions of higher education for delivering presentations as part of criminal justice, police science, forensic, or related coursework.

Staff briefed the committee on current prohibitions affecting state officers and employees. Elizabeth Allison, committee staff, said the governing statute is RCW 42.52.120 and noted the Ethics in Public Service Act contains definitions for honoraria and gifts. Allison told members the bill would permit officers to receive honoraria for presentations that are outside the scope of their official duties.

Sponsor testimony emphasized recruitment and relationship-building. Rep. Gloria Mendoza (14th District) said the measure would strengthen ties between colleges and local law enforcement, let officers share real-world experience with students and help address recruitment shortfalls; she told the committee that Washington ranks low on law enforcement per capita and cited a Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges report on recruitment and retention challenges. Mendoza said the change would also allow colleges and technical schools to offer a modest thank-you — college apparel or coffee cards were mentioned during questioning — without running afoul of state prohibitions.

Members asked about existing limits and definitions. Representative Steve Thomas and Representative Julie Reed (questions paraphrased from transcript) asked whether officers may volunteer without payment now and whether small consumable thank-you items (mugs, coffee cards, swag) are distinguishable from an honorarium. Staff said volunteers are not prohibited, but the statutory prohibition is on receiving compensation in some circumstances; Allison said she would circulate relevant statutory language and an Ethics in Public Service Act definition of honorarium and gift to the committee. Representative Pollet asked if the sponsor would consider defining “gifts of minimal value” in lieu of the open term “honoraria”; Mendoza asked staff for guidance and did not commit to a definition on the floor.

Public testimony: The committee recorded 63 people registered in support and one person registered in person; Cal Fuller (law-enforcement officer, testified remotely) supported the bill, describing the honorarium as a modest “thank you” and noting some colleges have easy access to off-duty officers while others do not.

Outcome and next steps: The committee closed the hearing on HB 1783; no committee vote was recorded during the meeting. Staff said they would email statutory language and guidance about definitions for honoraria and gifts to the committee.

Ending: The committee moved on to other agenda items after the hearing; members asked staff to follow up with statutory citations and any applicable gift/compensation caps for legislators or staff.","House Bill 1783 would permit off-duty law enforcement officers to accept honoraria from colleges and technical schools for classroom presentations; staff cited RCW 42.52.120 and the Ethics in Public Service Act during questioning.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6339749,"Committee advances four higher-education aid bills; roll calls recorded for three",437,295000,732000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2260805-7a45f5b938719ff04a2f6b695d703dcd&start=295&end=732","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2260805-7a45f5b938719ff04a2f6b695d703dcd/thumbnail_295000.jpg","/articles/6339749/Washington/Committee-advances-four-higher-education-aid-bills-roll-calls-recorded-for-three","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6339749-e84766d00dbdc9e1cb3ab428f7f10d01/orig.mp4?Expires=1771033012&Signature=UwGt2XaKcUnvdTBn9Guq2VxCueVGQRg~nJVkeq3dB9DAI~N~Z9kXjgZmvKklcx~CoVJ-Mibzlht0PDp3NSqigzS2EfFMh4GF5ZFD0i61Jp-CQ2O9rSUF3dzqpYmb56spAbUzN-wTMwlO1Yv~AsuZcRCtAbPJmbFb-oxd4jHLHp41ouV~qYsIMM2AiHYCmhmo20Watuk3FrUSLxm4S-IaOQ9bVUx2Bx6d6nbUeEQ9~pjM~PXI71jpZWgsRdh9V~BhFvWORj8bP2tKfqZ2cTxVvcTNNDbpWmGt7cgFTFJM-rc6tysS9IRmCHAJe7AYklFhFxEZfMJYvvMA-wn7csUl2w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Postsecondary Education & Workforce Committee on Feb. 11, 2025, reported out four bills aimed at expanding financial support and access to postsecondary education: House Bills 1554, 1556, substitute 1565 and substitute 1587. The committee held roll-call votes on three bills and adopted amendments to two before reporting the measures to the full House with due-pass recommendations.

The bills move a mix of targeted eligibility changes and program expansions. House Bill 1554 would expand eligibility for the College Bound Scholarship to students who obtained a high school equivalency certificate. House Bill 1556 would remove the age requirement for fee waivers for high school diploma or certificate courses. Substitute House Bill 1565 continues the Washington Dual Enrollment Scholarship and, as amended, limits the scholarship to Running Start students and expands eligibility to additional public assistance programs. Substitute House Bill 1587 establishes local government partner promise scholarship programs within the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship Program and caps state matching funds per local program at $300,000 per fiscal year.

Committee discussion mixed support for expanding access and concerns about maintaining incentives and fiscal impacts. Representative Chris Timmons and Representative Brett McIntyre debated whether changes preserve program standards intended to encourage in-school engagement. Representative Suzanne Schmidt and other members argued for expanding pathways into postsecondary training and reducing out-of-pocket costs for Running Start students. Committee staff confirmed amendments clarifying eligibility and program scope were adopted for substitute HB 1565 and HB 1587.

Votes at a glance:

- House Bill 1554 (College Bound Scholarship eligibility for GED/high school equivalency): Moved by Vice Chair Nance; second not specified. Roll call: 9 ayes, 7 nays, 1 excused. The committee reported the bill out with a due-pass recommendation. (Ayes included Chair Paul, Vice Chair Nance, Representatives Entenmann, Levitt, Paulette, Reid, Salahuddin, Thomas and Timmons; Nays included Representatives McIntyre, Graham, Keaton, Lee, Mendoza, Rood and Schmidt; Representative Ybarra was excused.)

- House Bill 1556 (remove 19-year age limit for fee waivers): Reported out by voice vote; staff announced 16 ayes, 1 excused.

- Substitute House Bill 1565 (Washington Dual Enrollment Scholarship — amendments adopted to limit to Running Start and to expand public-assistance eligibility): Moved and reported out; staff announced 13 ayes, 3 nays, 1 excused.

- Substitute House Bill 1587 (local government partner promise scholarships; $300,000 state match cap per program): Adopted amendment ALI 401 to cap state matching funds; substitute bill reported out with due-pass recommendation; staff announced 13 ayes, 3 nays, 1 excused.

Committee direction and next steps: The committee adopted technical and clarifying amendments on HB 1565 (ALI 402 and ALI 403) and adopted ALI 401 on HB 1587 before advancing the substitute bills. Staff noted that fiscal notes are attached to some bills and members asked staff to follow up on fiscal and IT-implementation questions. No final floor action occurred in the committee; the bills were transmitted to the House calendar for further consideration.

Ending: The committee paused for an executive-session caucus earlier in the meeting and reconvened to take the votes listed above; members requested continued conversations about standards and fiscal impacts as the bills progress to the full House.","The House Postsecondary Education & Workforce Committee reported out four bills expanding college financial-aid eligibility and support, voting on three and holding one substitute with adopted amendments.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Apprenticeship bill draws fierce pro and con testimony over standards, competition and tribal inclusion

Committee hears bill to let off-duty officers accept honoraria when speaking in college classrooms

Committee advances four higher-education aid bills; roll calls recorded for three