2023 -- H 6287

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LC002708

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- ELECTRICIANS

     Introduced By: Representatives Slater, and Diaz

     Date Introduced: April 19, 2023

     Referred To: House Labor

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Sections 5-6-24 and 5-6-24.1 of the General Laws in Chapter 5-6 entitled

"Electricians" are hereby amended to read as follows:

     5-6-24. Apprentices — Registration.

     (a) This chapter does not forbid the employment of one properly limited-registered

registered apprentice electrician working with and under the direct personal supervision of a an

appropriately licensed journeyperson electrician. Additionally, this chapter does not forbid the

employment of: (1) One properly registered apprentice burnerperson working with and under the

direct personal supervision of a licensed burnerperson; (2) One properly registered apprentice fire

alarm installer working with and under the direct personal supervision of a licensed fire alarm

installer; (3) Two (2) properly registered apprentice electrical sign installers working with and

under the direct personal supervision of a licensed electrical sign installer; (4) One properly

registered apprentice maintenance electrician working with and under the direct personal

supervision of a valid Class C or Class D Class M license holder; or (5) One properly registered

apprentice lightning-protection installer working with and under the direct personal supervision of

a licensed lightning-protection installer (LPI). Apprentices are required to register with the division

of professional regulation immediately upon employment with a properly licensed electrical

contractor or lightning-protection contractor.

     (b) Indentured Registered apprentice electricians are required to work a minimum of eight

thousand (8,000) hours over a period of time of not less than four (4) years and successfully

complete one hundred forty-four (144) hours of related instruction per year in an indentured a

registered apprenticeship program approved by the Rhode Island department of labor and training,

to qualify for the journeyperson “B” electrician examination; provided, however, registered

apprentices may receive credit for one hundred forty-four (144) hours of classroom training gained

in a vocational school authorized by the board of education, or a maximum of two hundred eighty-

eight (288) hours of classroom training gained over two (2) academic years (one hundred forty-

four (144) per academic year), upon the successful completion of a course of study in a fully

accredited trade school that has been approved by the Rhode Island office of postsecondary

commissioner and by the Rhode Island department of labor and training apprenticeship council.

Provided, that the test applicant has possessed, for at least four (4) years prior to the filing of the

application, a certificate of registration in full force and effect from the department of labor and

training of Rhode Island specifying the person as an indentured a registered apprentice, and the

application of an applicant is accompanied by an affidavit or affidavits of his or her employer or

former employers or other reasonably satisfactory evidence showing that the applicant has been

actually engaged in eight thousand (8,000) hours of electrical work as an a registered apprentice in

Rhode Island during those four (4) years; or the application is accompanied by an affidavit or other

reasonably satisfactory evidence showing that the applicant has successfully completed a course of

study in a recognized college or university and has pursued a course of electrical technology for at

least two (2) academic years or is the recipient of an associate degree in electrical technology, and

has thereafter been indentured registered by the department of labor and training as an apprentice

for at least four (4) years and employed as an indentured a registered apprentice while supervised

by a duly licensed journeyperson electrician employed under a master in this state for a period of

four (4) years; or a showing that the applicant possesses a certificate of license issued under the

laws of another state, based on training equal to that required by the state of Rhode Island. Limited-

registered apprentice electricians shall be required to work a minimum of four thousand (4,000)

hours over a period of time of not less than two (2) years.

     (c) Indentured Registered apprentice maintenance electricians are required to work a

minimum of six thousand (6,000) hours over a period of time of not less than three (3) years and

successfully complete one hundred forty-four (144) hours of related instruction per year in an

indentured a registered apprenticeship program approved by the Rhode Island department of labor

and training, to qualify for the journeyperson “M” electrician examination. Provided, however, that

the test applicant has possessed for at least three (3) years prior to the filing of the application a

certificate of registration in full force and effect from the department of labor and training

specifying the person as an indentured a registered apprentice, and the application of an applicant

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is accompanied by an affidavit or affidavits of his or her employer or former employers or other

reasonably satisfactory evidence showing that the applicant has been actually engaged in electrical

work as an apprentice in Rhode Island during those three (3) years as outlined in the registered

apprenticeship program standards. Class M journeyperson electricians may qualify to take the

journeyperson “B” electrician examination upon registering as a fourth-year apprentice and

becoming working under the supervision of journeyperson "B" electrician while employed by a

properly licensed Class A electrical contractor that sponsors, or participates in, an appropriately-

designed registered apprenticeship program for that period of time.

     (d) Apprentice Registered apprentice lightning-protection installers are required to work a

minimum of four thousand (4,000) hours over a period of time of not less than two (2) years in a

registered apprenticeship program approved by the Rhode Island department of labor and training

to qualify for the lightning-protection installer (LPI) examination. Provided, that the test applicant

has possessed for at least two (2) years prior to the filing of the application a certificate of

registration in full force and effect from the department of labor and training specifying the person

as an apprentice lightning-protection installer, and the application of an applicant is accompanied

by an affidavit or affidavits of his or her employer or former employers or other reasonably

satisfactory evidence showing that the applicant has been actually engaged in lightning-protection

work as an apprentice during those two (2) years as outlined in the registered apprenticeship

program standards.

     5-6-24.1. Apprentices certified by other states Apprentices registered in other states.

     Any apprentice electrician holding an apprentice certificate, license, or equivalent

document issued by another state shall register with and obtain the approval of the division of

professional regulation in the department of labor and training prior Prior to being permitted to

work or serve as an electrician’s apprentice in this state, any apprentice electrician registered by

another registration agency in a neighboring state shall obtain reciprocal recognition from the

Rhode Island department of labor and training pursuant to § 28-45-16. Provided, no approval shall

be granted unless the applicant demonstrates to the board that the applicant is currently enrolled in

one hundred forty-four (144) hours of electrical-related classroom instruction per year for not less

than four (4) years in an indentured apprenticeship program approved by the department of labor

and training.

     SECTION 2. Chapter 5-6 of the General Laws entitled "Electricians" is hereby amended

by adding thereto the following sections:

     5-6-24.2. Apprentices - Exam requirements.

     To be eligible applicants for electrical licensing exams, apprentices shall complete an

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applicable registered apprenticeship program in Rhode Island. Apprentices shall provide transcripts

of completed related instruction and work record books from employer(s), or other reasonably

satisfactory evidence, to document completion of a registered apprenticeship program appropriate

to the license being applied for.

     5-6-24.3. Credit for electrical license exams.

     (a) For licensing purposes, decisions by an apprenticeship sponsor to grant credit for prior

learning or experience pursuant to §§ 28-45-9(2)(xii) or 28-45-9.2 shall also require the written

approval of the electrical board of examiners of the Rhode Island department of labor and training.

Registered apprentices may receive credit for one hundred forty-four (144) hours of classroom

training gained in a vocational school authorized by the board of education, or a maximum of two

hundred eighty-eight (288) hours of classroom training gained over two (2) academic years (one

hundred forty-four (144) hours per academic year), upon the successful completion of a course of

study in a fully accredited trade school that has been approved by the Rhode Island office of

postsecondary commissioner and by the Rhode Island department of labor and training

apprenticeship council.

     (b) For licensing purposes, on-the-job learning hours required as part of a registered

apprenticeship program by license type are as follows:

     (1) At minimum, an electrician apprenticeship program for a Class B license shall include

eight thousand (8,000) hours of on-the-job learning.

     (2) At minimum, a maintenance electrician apprenticeship program for a Class M license

shall include six thousand (6,000) hours of on-the-job learning.

     (3) At minimum, a lightning protection installer apprenticeship program shall include four

thousand (4,000) hours of on-the-job learning.

     (4) All registered apprenticeship programs shall include one hundred forty-four (144) hours

of related instruction, including, but not limited to, classroom training, provided concurrently with

each two thousand (2,000) hours period of on-the-job learning.

     SECTION 3. Sections 5-20-4.1, 5-20-5, 5-20-10, 5-20-17, 5-20-17.1, 5-20-17.2 and 5-20-

25 of the General Laws in Chapter 5-20 entitled "Plumbers, Irrigators, and Water System Installers"

are hereby amended to read as follows:

     5-20-4.1. “Apprentice irrigator” defined.

     “Apprentice irrigator,” as used in this chapter, means a person hired to perform all phases

of an irrigation project and registered as an apprentice pursuant to § 28-45-13 working under the

supervision of a master irrigation licensee or a licensed journeyperson irrigator for a period of one

year.

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     5-20-5. “Apprentice plumber” defined.

     “Apprentice plumber,” as used in this chapter, means any employee registered as an

apprentice pursuant to § 28-45-13, whose principal occupation is service with a master plumber

with a view to learning the art or trade of maintenance, installation, or repair of plumbing, as defined

in § 5-20-2.

     5-20-10. Work for which apprentice certificate required.

     No person shall engage to work as an apprentice plumber, unless that person possesses and

carries on his or her person at all times while engaged, a certificate of registration in full force and

effect from the department of labor and training specifying that person as has registered as an

apprentice plumber, an apprentice irrigator, or an apprentice water-filtration/treatment-system

installer pursuant to § 28-45-13.

     5-20-17. Qualifications of journeyperson — Application fee.

     (a) No application for a journeyperson’s license shall be filed at the department of labor

and training nor shall any applicant be permitted to take the examination for a license as a

journeyperson plumber, unless:

     (1) The application is accompanied by a nonrefundable application fee of seventy-five

dollars ($75.00); and

     (2) The applicant shall have possessed, for at least four (4) years prior to the filing of the

application, a certificate of registration in full force and effect from the department of labor and

training specifying that person as a registered apprentice plumber pursuant to § 28-45-13 and the

application of that applicant is accompanied with an affidavit or affidavits of his or her employer

or former employers or other reasonably satisfactory evidence showing that the applicant has been

actually engaged in plumbing work as an apprentice plumber in the state of Rhode Island for eight

thousand (8,000) hours of on-the-job training during a five-year (5) period, which shall include the

successful completion of five hundred seventy-six (576) hours of related instruction at a training

program recognized by the department of labor and training; provided, however, the apprentice

may receive credit for one hundred forty-four (144) hours of classroom training applied against the

five hundred seventy-six (576) hours required pursuant to this section, gained in a vocational school

authorized by the council on elementary and secondary education; and approved by the Rhode

Island department of labor and training state apprenticeship council.

     (3) The application is accompanied with an affidavit or other reasonably satisfactory

evidence showing that the applicant has been a registered student in a recognized college,

university, or trade school and has pursued a course of plumbing or sanitary engineering for at least

two (2) academic years; or

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     (4) The applicant is the recipient of an associate degree in either plumbing or sanitary

engineering, and has been registered by the department of labor and training as an apprentice

plumber for at least two (2) years and at all times while being employed as a registered apprentice

plumber by a duly licensed master plumber in this state for a period of two (2) years; or

     (5) The application is accompanied by an affidavit or other reasonably satisfactory

evidence showing that the applicant possesses a certificate of license, issued under the laws of

another state, provided that the requirements are the same as the state specifying that person as a

journeyperson plumber.

     (6) The records of the hours of on-the-job training and the hours of related instruction

completed as part of the registered apprenticeship program pursuant to § 28-45-9 should be

maintained in a mutually responsible manner, through a joint effort on the part of the master

plumber and the apprentice and provided as part of the application.

     (7) The completed application is to be filed with the department at least fifteen (15) days

prior to the examination date.

     5-20-17.1. Qualifications of journeyperson irrigator -- Application fee.

     No application for a journeyperson’s license shall be filed at the department of labor and

training nor shall any applicant be permitted to take the examination for a license as a journeyperson

irrigator unless:

     (1) The application is accompanied with the nonrefundable application fee of seventy-five

dollars ($75.00); and

     (2) The applicant possesses a current apprentice certificate pursuant to § 28-45-13 for a

period of one year before application for journeyperson irrigator is made.

     5-20-17.2. Qualifications of journeyperson water-filtration/treatment-system installer

-- Application fee.

     No application for a journeyperson’s license shall be filed at the department of labor and

training nor shall any applicant be permitted to take the examination for a license as a journeyperson

water-filtration/treatment-system installer unless:

     (1) The application is accompanied with the nonrefundable application fee of seventy-five

dollars ($75.00); and

     (2) The applicant possesses a current apprentice certificate pursuant to § 28-45-13 for a

period of one year before application for journeyperson water-filtration/treatment-system installer

is made.

     5-20-25. Registration of apprentices.

     (a) Any person who has agreed to work a minimum of eight thousand (8,000) hours over a

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period of time of not less than five (5) years under the direct supervision and instruction of a master

plumber or journeyperson plumber as an apprentice to learn the plumbing business, and that

agreement is approved by the division of professional regulation, shall be registered by the director

of the department of labor and training and have issued to him or her a certificate showing that

person to be a registered apprentice pursuant to § 28-45-13.

     (b) Any person who has agreed to work a minimum of two thousand (2,000) hours over a

period of time of not less than one year under the direct supervision and instruction of a master

irrigator or a journeyperson irrigator as an apprentice to learn the irrigation business, and that

agreement is approved by the division of professional regulation, shall be registered by the director

of the department of labor and training and have issued to him or her a certificate showing that

person to be a registered apprentice pursuant to § 28-45-13.

     (c) Any person who has agreed to work a minimum of two thousand (2,000) hours over a

period of time of not less than one year, under the direct supervision and instruction of a master

water-filtration/treatment-system installer or a journeyperson water-filtration/treatment-system

installer, as an apprentice to learn the water-filtration/treatment business, and that agreement is

approved by the division of professional regulation, shall be registered by the director of the

department of labor and training and have issued to him or her a certificate showing that person to

be a registered apprentice pursuant to § 28-45-13.

     SECTION 4. Chapter 5-20 of the General Laws entitled "Plumbers, Irrigators, and Water

System Installers" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following sections:

     5-20-25.1. Apprentices -- Exam requirements.

     To be eligible applicants for plumbing licensing exams, apprentices shall complete an

applicable registered apprenticeship program in Rhode Island. Apprentices shall provide transcripts

of completed related instruction and work record books from employer(s), or other reasonably

satisfactory evidence, to document completion of a registered apprenticeship program appropriate

to the license being applied for.

     5-20-25.2. Credit for plumbing license exam.

     (a) For licensing purposes, decisions by an apprenticeship sponsor to grant credit for prior

learning or experience pursuant §§ 28-45-9(2)(xii) or 28-45-9.2 shall also require the written

approval of the state board of plumbing examiners of the Rhode Island department of labor and

training. Apprentices may receive credit for one hundred forty-four (144) hours of classroom

training gained in a career and technical education program authorized by the board of education,

or a maximum of two hundred eighty-eight (288) hours of classroom training gained over two (2)

academic years (one hundred forty-four (144) hours per academic year), upon the successful

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completion of a course of study in a fully accredited trade school that has been approved by the

Rhode Island office of postsecondary commissioner and by the Rhode Island department of labor

and training apprenticeship council.

     (b) For licensing purposes, on-the-job learning hours required as part of a registered

apprenticeship program by license type are as follows:

     (1) At minimum, a plumbing apprenticeship program shall include eight thousand (8,000)

hours of on-the-job learning.

     (2) At minimum, an irrigator apprenticeship program shall include two thousand (2,000)

hours of on-the-job learning.

     (3) At minimum, a water filtration/treatment-system apprenticeship program shall include

two thousand (2,000) hours of on-the-job learning.

     (4) All registered apprenticeship programs shall include one hundred forty-four (144) hours

of related instruction, including, but not limited to, classroom training, provided concurrently with

each two thousand (2,000) hours period of on-the-job learning.

     SECTION 5. Section 5-70-5 of the General Laws in Chapter 5-70 entitled

"Telecommunications" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     5-70-5. Form of license and registration.

     Three (3) major forms of license shall be issued with the two (2) higher licenses carrying

certification for one or more of the four (4) category(s), as defined within this chapter, for which

qualified:

     (1) Telecommunications system contractor.(i) TSC license shall be issued to any person

qualified under this chapter representing themselves, individually, or a firm or corporation

engaging in, or about to engage in, the business of designing, installing, altering, servicing, and/or

testing telecommunications systems.

     (ii) Qualification shall be evidenced by passing the examination(s) for any or all of the

categories of telecommunications systems described in this chapter, and applicants who hold an

equivalent out-of-state license, as determined by this board, issued by another state shall be allowed

to take the Rhode Island form TSC license examination. Applicants for TSC license who hold no

equivalent form of TSC license issued in another state and show evidence of three (3) years of

verifiable and continuous contracting experience, immediately preceding the date of application

and are registered to conduct business in the state of Rhode Island, will be allowed to take the

Rhode Island form of TSC examination. Applicants who do not meet these qualifications shall have

been licensed as a Rhode Island telecommunication systems technician for a minimum of three (3)

consecutive years, immediately preceding the date of application, in order to qualify to take the

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TSC examination, and shall have been registered to conduct business in the state of Rhode Island.

     (iii) The holding of a TSC license shall entitle the holder individually to contract for,

engage in, and/or perform the actual work of designing, installing the type(s) of

telecommunications systems for which they were granted certification. No individual shall be

required to hold more than one form of license.

     (2) Telecommunications systems technician.(i) TST license shall be issued to any person

who passes the examination(s) as defined within this chapter for any or all of the categories of

telecommunications systems described in this chapter.

     (ii) The holding of a TST license shall entitle the holder individually to perform the actual

work of installing, altering, servicing, and/or testing the type(s) of telecommunications systems for

which they were granted certification. All the work performed shall be under the supervision of the

holder of a TSC license.

     (3) Telecommunications system limited installer.(i) TSLI license shall be issued to any

person who passes the examination as defined within this chapter and as described in this section.

     (ii) The holding of a TSLI license shall entitle the holder to perform the actual work of

installation of wiring, low-voltage surface raceway, enclosures, and wiring devices directly

associated with a telecommunications system. Connection to, installation of, or servicing of

telecommunications devices shall only be performed under the direct supervision of a holder of a

TST or TSC license.

     (4) Trainee/telecommunications apprentice.(i) Registered trainees/telecommunications

telecommunications apprentices pursuant to § 28-45-13 may be employed to perform the actual

work of installation of wiring, low-voltage surface raceway, enclosures, and wiring devices directly

associated with a telecommunications system under the direct supervision of a holder of a TST or

TSC license.

     (ii) Trainees/telecommunication apprentices shall be required to register with the licensing

authority Rhode Island department of labor and training subsequent to employment by a person,

firm, or corporation licensed as a TSC under this chapter; and prior to being permitted to perform

any actual installation work.

     (iii) The registered trainee/telecommunication telecommunication apprentice shall not be

permitted to make connection to, install, or service telecommunications devices. No more than two

(2) registered trainees/telecommunication telecommunication apprentices can be directly

supervised by a single TSC or TST license holder.

     SECTION 6. Chapter 28-4 of the General Laws entitled "Indenture of Apprentices" is

hereby repealed in its entirety.

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CHAPTER 28-4

Indenture of Apprentices

     28-4-1. Power of minor to execute indenture.

     Any minor being sixteen (16) years of age or over, or who, being under sixteen (16) years

of age, has a limited permit to work given him or her by or under the direction of the school

committee where the minor resides under the provisions of chapter 3 of this title, may, by execution

of an indenture, bind himself or herself as provided in this chapter, for a term of service of not less

than one year.

     28-4-2. Parties to sign indenture.

     Every indenture shall be signed:

     (1) By the minor;

     (2) By the parents, or either one of them, as the natural guardians or guardian of the minor;

or by the duly appointed legal guardian of the person, or of the person and estate of the minor, if

any; or by the person having the legal custody of the minor;

     (3) By the employer.

     28-4-3. Contents of indenture.

     Every indenture shall contain:

     (1) The names of the parties;

     (2) The date of birth of the minor;

     (3) A statement of the trade, craft, or business which the minor is to be taught;

     (4) An agreement that a certificate shall be given to the apprentice at the conclusion of his

or her indenture, stating that he or she has completed the apprenticeship under the indenture.

     28-4-4. Deeds in triplicate.

     In every case there shall be three (3) deeds in the same form and tenor, executed by all

parties, one to be kept by each party.

     28-4-5. Effect of indenture as against parties.

     All indentures made in accordance with the provisions of §§ 28-4-1 — 28-4-4 shall be

good and effectual in law against all parties and the minor engaged by them, according to their

tenor, except as to any of their provisions that the court, in which any suit or controversy relating

to the articles of indenture may be heard, shall determine to be unjust or unreasonable.

     28-4-6. Petition or complaint for breach of indenture — Summons.

     Whenever a petition or complaint in writing and under oath is made to any judge of the

district court that any master or apprentice, within a division where the court is situated, has

willfully neglected or refused to comply with or perform the terms and provisions of any indenture,

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the judge, if satisfied that there is a reasonable cause for the petition or complaint, shall issue a

summons requiring the master or apprentice to appear before the court at a time and place named

in the summons to answer relative to the petition or complaint. The petitioner or complainant shall

cause the summons to be served by some officer qualified to serve civil process upon the person

complained of at least six (6) days before the time set for appearance and hearing by reading the

summons to the person to be served, or by leaving an attested copy of it with the person to be served

in his or her hands and possession, or at his or her last and usual place of abode with some person

living there, or if the person to be served is a corporation, then, by leaving an attested copy of the

summons with some officer of the corporation or at the office of the corporation with some person

employed there.

     28-4-7. Determination of petition or complaint — Enforcement of order.

     Upon the hearing of a petition or complaint, the court may determine the controversy or

matter complained of in a summary way, and discharge either party from the indenture and contract

of apprenticeship, and may make any further order in the premises that the case may require and

seems proper to the court. Any neglect or failure of any person, against whom any order is made,

to do, perform, or comply with the order shall be contempt of court, and the court may enforce its

order by proceedings for contempt.

     SECTION 7. Sections 28-27-4.1, 28-27-4.2, 28-27-4.3, 28-27-5.1, 28-27-5.2, 28-27-11,

28-27-17 and 28-27-18 of the General Laws in Chapter 28-27 entitled "Mechanical Trades" are

hereby amended to read as follows:

     28-27-4.1. “Journeyperson refrigeration technician” defined.

     “Journeyperson refrigeration technician” means any person who has completed a five-year

(5) apprentice an appropriate ten thousand (10,000) hour registered apprenticeship program in

accordance with chapter 45 of title 28, and/or and has passed a refrigeration technician examination

and who by him or herself does work in refrigeration/air conditioning subject to provisions of this

chapter and the rules, regulations, and licensing criteria promulgated hereunder.

     28-27-4.2. “Journeyperson pipefitter,” “journeyperson sheet metal worker,” and

“journeyperson sprinkler fitter” defined.

     (a) “Journeyperson pipefitter” means any person who has completed a five-year (5)

apprentice an appropriate ten thousand (10,000) hour registered apprenticeship program in

accordance with chapter 45 of title 28, and/or and has passed a journeyperson examination and who

by himself or herself does work on pipefitting systems subject to provisions of this chapter. The

rules, regulations, and licensing criteria guide promulgated under this chapter referencing Class II

limited journeyperson licenses shall require completion of an accepted formal technical program

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approved by the department of labor and training.

     (b) “Journeyperson sheet metal worker” means any person who has completed a four-year

(4) an appropriate eight thousand (8,000) hour registered apprentice apprenticeship program in

accordance with chapter 45 of title 28, and/or and has passed a journeyperson sheet metal worker

examination and who by him or herself does sheet metal work subject to provisions of this chapter

and the rules, regulations, and licensing criteria promulgated under this chapter.

     (c) “Journeyperson sprinkler fitter” means any person who has completed a four-year (4)

an appropriate eight thousand (8,000) hour registered apprentice apprenticeship program in

accordance with chapter 45 of title 28, and/or and has passed a journeyperson sprinkler fitter

examination and who by him or herself does work in fire protection sprinkler systems subject to

provisions of this chapter and the rules, regulations, and licensing criteria promulgated under this

chapter.

     28-27-4.3. “Journeyperson sheet metal worker apprentice,” “journeyperson

sprinkler fitter apprentice,” “pipefitter apprentice,” and “refrigeration/air conditioning

apprentice” defined -- Duration of apprentice programs "Sheet metal worker apprentice,"

"sprinkler fitter apprentice," "pipefitter apprentice," and "refrigerator/air conditioning

apprentice" defined -- Duration of apprentice programs.

     (a) “Journeyperson sheet Sheet metal worker apprentice” means any person at least

eighteen (18) years of age who is learning or working at the businesses of sheet metal work under

the direct supervision of a sheet metal contractor or journeyperson sheet metal worker under a

registered state sanctioned apprentice program as a registered apprentice in an appropriate

apprenticeship program registered in accordance with chapter 45 of title 28.

     (b) “Journeyperson sprinkler Sprinkler fitter apprentice” means any person at least eighteen

(18) years of age who is learning or working at the business of fire protection sprinkler systems

under the direct supervision of a master or journeyperson sprinkler fitter under a registered state

sanctioned apprentice program as a registered apprentice in an appropriate apprenticeship program

registered in accordance with chapter 45 of title 28.

     (c) “Pipefitter apprentice” means any person at least eighteen (18) years of age who is

learning or working at the business of pipefitting under the direct supervision of a master pipefitter

or journeyperson pipefitter under a registered state sanctioned apprentice program as a registered

apprentice in an appropriate apprenticeship program registered in accordance with chapter 45 of

title 28.

     (d) Pipefitter, refrigeration, sprinkler fitter, and sheet metal worker apprentice programs

are of a five-year (5) duration, except as detailed in § 28-27-4.2, for all Class II limited licenses.

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     (e) “Refrigeration/air conditioning apprentice” means any person at least eighteen (18)

years of age who is learning and working at the business of refrigeration/air conditioning under the

direct supervision of a refrigeration/air conditioning master or journeyperson under a registered

state sanctioned apprentice program as a registered apprentice in an appropriate apprenticeship

program registered in accordance with chapter 45 of title 28.

     28-27-5.1. Practices for which a journeyperson or apprentice license required.

     (a) No person shall engage to work as a pipefitter, refrigeration/air conditioning, or

sprinkler fitter journeyperson or apprentice, or journeyperson sheet metal worker or apprentice, or

shall advertise or represent in any form or matter that he or she is a journeyperson or apprentice,

unless that person possesses and carries on his or her person at all times while so engaged a valid

license issued by the department of labor and training qualifying that person as a journeyperson or

registered apprentice pursuant to § 28-45-13.

     (b) A person holding a valid license under this chapter shall not be required to obtain an

additional license under this chapter to perform sheet metal work when AC air handling equipment

is ten (10) tons or less or when heating equipment does not exceed 250,000 BTUs.

     (c) A holder of a journeyperson license shall only be entitled to work as an employee of

the properly licensed master permit holder in accordance with this chapter.

     28-27-5.2. Issuance of P.J.F. journeyperson oil burnerperson’s license.

     (a) Any person who has previously qualified for the electrician’s F certificate and the P.J.F.

II limited to oil individually, and presently holds both licenses, may convert to the single P.J.F.

limited journeyperson II oil burnerperson’s license by application to the division on an approved

application and with payment of the applicable fee as detailed in this section. This licensee cannot

be self-employed and is limited to domestic oil burner service work, burner, tank, and oil line

installation. Persons seeking an initial P.J.F. limited journeyperson II oil burner license must show

proof of completion of a trade sponsored program or a trade related program offered by a

recognized college. All programs must have prior approval of the department of labor and training

before licenses are issued.

     (b) The person seeking P.J.F. licensing must be employed by a master pipefitting contractor

class II as detailed under § 28-27-4.

     (c) The above provisions are similar for most limited licenses under this chapter.

     (d) Fees shall be as follows:

     (1) Apprenticeship fee is thirty dollars ($30.00) with birth-month licensing;

     (2) License fee is seventy-two dollars ($72.00) with birth-month licensing;

     (3) Renewal fee is seventy-two dollars ($72.00) with birth-month licensing;

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     (e) The fees collected shall be deposited as general revenues.

     28-27-11. Journeyperson license — Test fees — License fees and qualifications —

Filing deadline for journeyperson.

     (a) No application for a journeyperson’s test shall be filed by the department nor shall any

applicant be permitted to take the examination for a license as a journeyperson unless:

     (1) The test application is accompanied by a test fee as outlined in § 28-27-17;

     (2) Upon passing of a journeyperson test, payment of a license fee as outlined in § 28-27-

17 is required and the journeyperson license will be issued as provided in § 28-27-15; and

     (3) The applicant has possessed for at least five (5) years prior to the filing of the

application a certificate of registration in full force and effect from the department of labor and

training specifying the person as a registered apprentice pursuant to § 28-45-13, and the application

of an applicant:

     (i) Is accompanied by an affidavit or affidavits of his or her employer or former employers

or other reasonably satisfactory evidence showing that the applicant has been actually engaged in

pipefitting or refrigeration/air conditioning, sheet metal or fire protection sprinkler systems work

as an apprentice registered for at least ten thousand (10,000) hours in the state of Rhode Island

during those five (5) years;

     (ii) Is accompanied by an affidavit or other reasonably satisfactory evidence showing that

the applicant has been registered as a student in a recognized college, university, or trade school

and has pursued a course of pipefitting or refrigeration/air conditioning, sheet metal or fire

protection sprinkler systems for at least two (2) academic years or is the recipient of an associate

degree in pipefitting or refrigeration/air conditioning or fire protection sprinkler systems, and has

thereafter been registered by the department of labor and training as an apprentice for at least three

(3) years and employed as a registered apprentice by a duly licensed pipefitter or refrigeration/air

conditioning or fire protection sprinkler systems master or sheet metal contractors in this state for

a period of three (3) years; or

     (iii) Is accompanied by an affidavit or other reasonably satisfactory evidence showing that

the applicant possesses a certificate of license issued under the laws of another state specifying that

person as a journeyperson; and

     (4) The licensing authority may grant an exemption to the requirements of subsection (a)(3)

on the basis of past experience.

     (b) The test application is to be filed with the department at least fifteen (15) days prior to

the examination date.

     28-27-17. Test fees — License fees — Expiration and renewal of licenses.

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     (a) All licenses issued to the pipefitters/refrigeration technicians and fire protection

sprinkler contractor/sprinkler fitters and sheet metal contractor or journeyperson sheet metal worker

detailed in this section shall be paid for as follows:

TEST LICENSE RENEWAL

Master Mechanical Contractor -- 480.00 480.00

Contractor Master 75.00 240.00 240.00

Pipefitter Master I 75.00 240.00 240.00

Pipefitter Master II 75.00 96.00 96.00

Refrigeration Master I 75.00 240.00 240.00

Refrigeration Master II 75.00 96.00 96.00

Pipefitter Journeyperson I 75.00 72.00 72.00

Pipefitter Journeyperson II 75.00 60.00 60.00

Refrigeration Journeyperson I 75.00 72.00 72.00

Refrigeration Journeyperson II 75.00 60.00 60.00

Apprentices (annual fee) -- 24.00 24.00

Fire Protection Sprinkler

Fitters Master I 75.00 240.00 240.00

Fire Protection Sprinkler

Fitters Journeyperson I 75.00 72.00 72.00

Sheet Metal Contractor 75.00 240.00 240.00

Sheet Metal Worker

Journeyperson 75.00 72.00 72.00

     (b) Apprenticeship renewal fees shall be paid on an annual basis.

     (c) Every license issued by the division of professional regulation to license holders born

in odd years shall expire on the birthday of the individual qualifying for the license in odd years

and all licenses issued by the division of professional regulation to license holders born in even

years shall expire on the birthday of the individual qualifying for the license in even years and all

licenses may be renewed on or before their expiration date, upon payment of the appropriate fee.

If any credit is due in the initial changeover year the amount of credit shall be determined by the

chief administrator of the division.

     28-27-18. Registration of apprentices.

     (a) Any person who has agreed to work under the supervision of a licensed pipefitter,

refrigeration/air conditioning, sprinkler fitter, or sheet metal master under a state-sanctioned an

apprenticeship program shall be registered by the director of labor and training and registered with

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the Rhode Island department of labor and training shall be issued a certificate of apprenticeship

pursuant to § 28-45-13.

     (b) The minimum formal training period for a P.J.F. limited class II license shall be one

hundred sixty (160) hours of classroom and/or laboratory technical training, approved by the

department of labor and training. The fee schedules for the P.J.F. limited license are detailed in §

28-27-5.2. All other sections of this chapter shall remain in full force and effect.

     SECTION 8. Chapter 28-27 of the General Laws entitled "Mechanical Trades" is hereby

amended by adding thereto the following sections:

     28-27-18.1. Apprentices -- Exam requirements.

     To be eligible applicants for mechanical licensing exams, apprentices shall complete an

applicable registered apprenticeship program in Rhode Island. Apprentices shall provide transcripts

of completed related instruction and work record books from employer(s), or other reasonably

satisfactory evidence, to document completion of a registered apprenticeship program appropriate

to the license being applied for.

     28-27-18.2. Credit for mechanical license exams.

     (a) For licensing purposes, decisions by an apprenticeship sponsor to grant credit for prior

learning or experience pursuant to §§ 28-45-9(2)(xii) or 28-45-9.2 shall also require the written

approval of the state mechanical board of the Rhode Island department of labor and training.

Registered apprentices may receive credit for one hundred forty-four (144) hours of classroom

training gained in a career and technical education program authorized by the board of education,

or a maximum of two hundred eighty-eight (288) hours of classroom training gained over two (2)

academic years (one hundred forty-four (144) hours per academic year), upon the successful

completion of a course of study in a fully accredited trade school that has been approved by the

Rhode Island office of postsecondary commissioner and by the Rhode Island department of labor

and training apprenticeship council.

     (b) For licensing purposes, on-the-job learning hours required as part of a registered

apprenticeship program by license type are as follows:

     (1) At minimum, a pipefitter I apprenticeship program shall include ten thousand (10,000)

hours of on-the-job learning.

     (2) At minimum, a pipefitter II apprenticeship program shall include four thousand (4,000)

hours of on-the-job learning.

     (3) At minimum, a refrigeration I apprenticeship program shall include ten thousand

(10,000) hours of on-the-job learning.

     (4) At minimum, a refrigeration II apprenticeship program shall include four thousand

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(4,000) hours of on-the-job learning.

     (5) At minimum, a sprinkler fitter/fire protection apprenticeship program shall include ten

thousand (10,000) hours of on-the-job learning.

     (6) At minimum, a sheet metal worker I apprenticeship program shall include eight

thousand (8,000) hours of on-the-job learning.

     (7) At minimum, a sheet metal worker II apprenticeship program shall include four

thousand (4,000) hours of on-the-job learning.

     (8) All registered apprenticeship programs shall include one hundred forty-four (144) hours

of related instruction, including, but not limited to, classroom training, provided concurrently with

each two thousand (2,000) hours period of on-the-job learning.

     SECTION 9. Sections 28-45-1, 28-45-3, 28-45-9, 28-45-10, 28-45-13, 28-45-14 and 28-

45-16 of the General Laws in Chapter 28-45 entitled "Apprenticeship Programs in Trade and

Industry" are hereby amended to read as follows:

     28-45-1. Purposes.

     The purposes of this chapter are:

     (1) To encourage employers, associations of employers, and organizations of employees to

voluntarily establish apprenticeship programs and the making of apprenticeship agreements;

     (2) To create opportunities for young people to obtain employment and adequate training

in trades and industry with parallel instructions in related and supplementary education under

conditions that will equip them for profitable employment and citizenship;

     (3) To cooperate with the promotion and development of apprenticeship programs and

systems in other states and with the federal committee on apprenticeship appointed under 29 U.S.C.

§ 50 et seq.; and

     (4) To provide for the registration and approval of apprenticeship programs and

apprenticeship agreements and for the issuance of state certificates of completion of apprenticeship.

     28-45-3. Powers and duties.

     (a) The department of labor and training is the agency with responsibility and

accountability for apprenticeship within Rhode Island for federal purposes. The state

apprenticeship council shall be a regulatory council and part of the department of labor and training.

The council shall promulgate regulations consistent with 29 C.F.R. Parts 29 and 30 at the direction

of the director of the department of labor and training and shall provide advice and guidance to the

director of the department of labor and training on the operation of the Rhode Island apprenticeship

program system. Enforcement of apprenticeship rules and regulations shall be the duty of the

director of the department of labor and training. In addition, the council shall:

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     (1) Adopt rules and regulations to ensure equality of opportunity in apprenticeship

programs pursuant to the Rhode Island state plan for equal opportunity in apprenticeship;

     (2) Establish trade, craft, manufacturing, or industrial standards for apprenticeship or

training agreements in cooperation with a joint employer and employee groups in conformity with

29 C.F.R. § 29.5;

     (3) Establish program performance standards in conformity with 29 C.F.R. § 29.6;

     (4) Hold at least four (4) regular public meetings each year; any additional meetings

considered necessary shall be held at the call of the chairperson, or at the written request of a

majority of the members of the council;

     (5) Formulate and publish rules of procedure for the function of local, regional, and state

joint apprenticeship committees and for the filling of vacancies on those committees;

     (6) Adopt rules and regulations concerning the following:

     (i) The contents of apprenticeship agreements in conformity with 29 C.F.R. § 29.7;

     (ii) Criteria for apprenticeable occupations as provided by 29 C.F.R. § 29.4;

     (iii) Reciprocal approval for federal purposes to apprentices, apprenticeship programs, and

standards that are registered in other states by the United States Department of Labor or another

state apprenticeship program recognized by the United States Department of Labor if such

reciprocity is requested by the apprenticeship program sponsor;

     (iv) The cancellation or deregistration of programs, and for temporary suspension,

cancellation, or deregistration of apprenticeship agreements as provided in 29 C.F.R. §§ 29.8 and

29.9;

     (v) The standards of apprenticeship, program performance standards, apprenticeship

agreements, deregistration of registered apprenticeship programs, reinstatement of apprenticeship

programs, and reciprocal approval recognition of apprentices from other states.

     (b) The department of labor and training in accord with its regulations and this chapter

shall:

     (1) Encourage the promotion, expansion, and improvement of programs of apprenticeship

training and pre-apprenticeship and the making of apprenticeship agreements;

     (2) Bring about the settlement of differences arising out of an apprenticeship agreement

when those differences cannot be adjusted locally or in accordance with established trade

procedure;

     (3) Supervise the execution of agreements and maintenance of standards;

     (4) Register or terminate or cancel the registration of apprenticeship programs and

apprenticeship agreements;

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     (5) Issue certificates of completion of apprenticeship;

     (6) Keep a record of apprenticeship programs and apprentice agreements and their

disposition;

     (7) Render any assistance and submit any information and data that may be requested by

employers, employees, and joint apprenticeship committees engaged in the formulation and

operation of programs of apprenticeship, particularly in regard to work schedules, wages,

conditions of employment, apprenticeship records, and number of apprentices;

     (8) Adopt rules and regulations to insure nondiscrimination in all phases of apprenticeship

and employment during apprenticeship;

     (9) Register trade, craft, manufacturing, or industrial standards for apprenticeship or

training agreements in cooperation with joint employer and employee groups and in conformity

with this chapter, or approve and register trade, craft, manufacturing, or industrial standards for

agreements submitted that are in conformity with this chapter, and disapprove those standards or

agreements submitted that are not in conformity with this chapter, to the extent deemed appropriate;

     (10) Establish committees and approve nominations to existing committees that are

submitted in conformity with this chapter;

     (11) Terminate registration of committees for failure of the committee to abide by the

provisions of this chapter; and

     (12) Perform any other duties that are described and imposed by this chapter.

     28-45-9. Standards of apprenticeship programs.

     An apprenticeship program, to be eligible for approval and registration with the department

of labor and training, shall conform to regulations issued by the department of labor and training

and 29 C.F.R. Part 29 and 29 C.F.R. Part 30 and shall conform to the following standards:

     (1) The program is an organized, written plan embodying the terms and conditions of

employment, training, and supervision of one or more apprentices in the apprenticeable occupation,

as defined in this chapter and subscribed to by a sponsor who has undertaken to carry out the

apprentice training program.

     (2) The program standards contain the equal opportunity pledge prescribed in 29 C.F.R §

30.3(b) 29 C.F.R § 30.3(c) and, when applicable, an affirmative action plan in accordance with 29

C.F.R. § 30.4, a selection method authorized in 29 C.F.R § 30.5 29 C.F.R § 30.10, or similar

requirements expressed in a state plan for equal employment opportunity in apprenticeship adopted

pursuant to 29 C.F.R. Part 30 and approved by the United States Department of Labor, and

provisions concerning the following:

     (i) The employment and training of the apprentice in a skilled occupation;

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     (ii) A term of apprenticeship not less than two thousand (2,000) hours of work experience,

consistent with training requirements as established by industry practice, which for an individual

apprentice may be measured either through the completion of the industry standard for on-the-job

learning (at least two thousand (2,000) hours) (time-based approach), the attainment of competency

(competency-based approach), or a blend of the time-based and competency-based approaches

(hybrid approach):

     (A) The time-based approach measures skill acquisition through the individual apprentice’s

completion of at least two thousand (2,000) hours of on-the-job learning as described in a work

process schedule;

     (B) The competency-based approach measures skill acquisition through the individual

apprentice’s successful demonstration of acquired skills and knowledge, as verified by the program

sponsor. Programs utilizing this approach must still require apprentices to complete an on-the-job

learning component of registered apprenticeship. The program standards must address how on-the-

job learning will be integrated into the program, describe competencies, and identify an appropriate

means of testing and evaluation for such competencies;

     (C) The hybrid approach measures the individual apprentice’s skill acquisition through a

combination of specified minimum number of hours of on-the-job learning and the successful

demonstration of competency as described in a work process schedule; and

     (D) The determination of the appropriate approach for the program standards is made by

the program sponsor, subject to approval by the registration agency of the determination as

appropriate to the apprenticeable occupation for which the program standards are registered;

     (iii) An outline of the work processes in which the apprentice will receive supervised work

experience and training on the job, and the allocation of the approximate time to be spent in each

major process;

     (iv) Provision for organized, related, and supplemental instruction in technical subjects

related to the trade. A minimum of one hundred forty-four (144) hours for each year of

apprenticeship is recommended. This instruction in technical subjects may be accomplished

through media, such as classroom, occupational or industry courses, electronic media, or other

instruction approved by the department of labor and training; every apprenticeship instructor must:

     (A) Meet the Rhode Island department of elementary and secondary education

requirements for a vocational-technical instructor, or be a subject matter expert, which is an

individual, such as a journey worker, who is recognized within an industry as having expertise in a

specific occupation; and

     (B) Have training in teaching techniques and adult learning styles, which may occur before

LC002708 - Page 20 of 27

or after the apprenticeship instructor has started to provide the related technical instruction;

     (v) A statement of the progressively increasing scale of wages to be paid the apprentice

consistent with the skill acquired, the entry wage to be not less than the minimum wage prescribed

by the federal and state labor standards act, where applicable, unless a higher wage is required by

other applicable federal law, state law, respective regulations, or by collective bargaining

agreement;

     (vi) A provision for periodic review and evaluation of the apprentice’s progress in job

performance and related instruction, and the maintenance of appropriate progress records;

     (vii) The numeric ratio of apprentices to journeypersons consistent with proper supervision,

training, safety, and continuity of employment, and applicable provisions in collective bargaining

agreements, except where the ratios are expressly prohibited by the collective bargaining

agreement. The ratio language shall be specific and clear as to application in terms of jobsite, work

force, department, or plant;

     (viii) A probationary period reasonable in relation to the full apprenticeship term, with full

credit given for the period toward completion of apprenticeship; the probationary period shall not

exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the length of the program or one year, whichever is shorter;

     (ix) Adequate and safe equipment and facilities for training and supervision, and safety

training for apprentices on the job and in related instruction;

     (x) The minimum qualifications required by a sponsor for persons entering the

apprenticeship program, with an eligible starting age not less than sixteen (16) years;

     (xi) The placement of an apprentice under a written apprenticeship agreement that

conforms to the requirements of this chapter. The agreement shall directly, or by reference,

incorporate the standards of the program as part of the agreement;

     (xii) The granting of advanced standing or credit for demonstrated competency, previously

acquired experience, training, or skills for all applicants equally, with commensurate wages for any

progression step so granted;

     (xiii) The transfer of an apprentice between apprenticeship programs and within an

apprenticeship program must be based on agreement between the apprentice and the affected

apprenticeship committees or program sponsors, and must comply with the following requirements:

     (A) The transferring apprentice must be provided a transcript of related instruction and on-

the-job learning by the committee or program sponsor;

     (B) Transfer must be to the same occupation; and

     (C) A new apprenticeship agreement must be executed when the transfer occurs between

program sponsors;

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     (xiv) Assurance of qualified training personnel and adequate supervision on the job;

     (xv) Recognition for successful completion of apprenticeship evidenced by an appropriate

certificate issued by the department of labor and training;

     (xvi) Program standards that utilize the competency-based or hybrid approach for

progression through an apprenticeship and that choose to issue interim credentials must clearly

identify the interim credentials; demonstrate how these credentials link to the components of the

apprenticeable occupation; and establish the process for assessing an individual apprentice’s

demonstration of competency associated with the particular interim credential; further, interim

credentials must only be issued for recognized components of an apprenticeable occupation,

thereby linking interim credentials specifically to the knowledge, skills, and abilities associated

with those components of the apprenticeable occupation;

     (xvii) Identification of the department of labor and training as the registration agency;

     (xviii) Provision for the registration, cancellation, and deregistration of the program, and

requirement for the prompt submission of any modification or amendment to the department of

labor and training for approval;

     (xix) Provision for registration of apprenticeship agreements, modifications, and

amendments; notice to the department of labor and training of persons who have successfully

completed apprenticeship programs; and notice of transfers, cancellations, suspensions, and

terminations of apprenticeship agreements and a statement of the reasons therefor;

     (xx) Authority for the cancellation of an apprenticeship agreement during the probationary

period by either party without stated cause. Cancellation during the probationary period will not

have an adverse impact on the sponsor’s completion rate;

     (xxi) Compliance with 29 C.F.R. Part 30, including the equal opportunity pledge prescribed

in 29 C.F.R. § 30.3(b); an affirmative action plan complying with 29 C.F.R. § 30.4; and a method

for the selection of apprentices authorized by 29 C.F.R § 30.5, or compliance with parallel

requirements contained in a state plan for equal opportunity in apprenticeship adopted under 29

C.F.R. Part 30 and approved by the department. The apprenticeship standards must also include a

statement that the program will be conducted, operated, and administered in conformity with

applicable provisions of 29 C.F.R. Part 30, as amended, or if applicable, an approved state plan for

equal opportunity in apprenticeship;

     (xxii) Name and address, telephone number, and e-mail address (if applicable) of the

appropriate authority under the program to receive, process, and make disposition of complaints;

     (xxiii) Recording and maintenance of all records concerning apprenticeship as may be

required by the office of apprenticeship or the department of labor and training and other applicable

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law.

     28-45-10. Definitions.

     For the purposes of this chapter:

     (1) “Apprenticeable occupation” is an occupation which possesses all of the following

characteristics:

     (i) It is customarily learned in a practical way through a structured, systematic program of

on-the-job supervised learning.

     (ii) It is clearly identified and commonly recognized throughout an industry.

     (iii) It involves the progressive attainment of manual, mechanical, or technical skills and

knowledge, which is in accordance with the industry standard for the occupation, that requires the

completion of at least a minimum of two thousand (2,000) hours of on-the-job learning to attain

experience.

     (iv) It requires related instruction to supplement the on-the-job learning.

     (2) “Apprenticeship agreement” means a written agreement complying with 29 C.F.R. §

29.7 between an apprentice and either the apprenticeship program sponsor, or an apprenticeship

committee acting as agent for the program sponsor(s), that contains the terms and conditions of the

employment and training of the apprentice.

     (3) “Council” means the apprenticeship council as established by § 28-45-2.

     (4) “OA” means office of apprenticeship, United States Department of Labor.

     (5) “Secretary” means Secretary of the United States Department of Labor.

     28-45-13. Standards of apprenticeship agreements.

     All apprenticeship agreements submitted for approval and registration with the department

of labor and training shall contain explicitly or by reference standards adopted by the council,

including:

     (1) Names and signatures of the contracting parties (apprentice and the program sponsor

or employer), and the signature of a parent or guardian if the apprentice is a minor.

     (2) The date of birth of the apprentice and on a voluntary basis the social security number

of the apprentice.

     (3) Name and address of the program sponsor and the registration agency.

     (4) A statement of the occupation, trade, or craft in which the apprentice is to be trained,

and the beginning date and term (duration) of apprenticeship.

     (5) A statement showing:

     (i) The number of hours to be spent by the apprentice in work on the job in a time-based

program or a description of the skill sets to be attained by completion of a competency-based

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program, including the on-the-job learning component; or the minimum number of hours to be

spent by the apprentice and a description of the skill sets to be attained by completion of a hybrid

program.

     (ii) The number of hours to be spent in related and supplemental instruction in technical

subjects related to the occupation which is recommended to be not less than one hundred forty-four

(144) hours per year.

     (6) A statement setting forth a schedule of the work processes in the occupation or industry

divisions in which the apprentice is to be trained and the approximate time to be spent at each

process.

     (7) A statement of the graduated scale of wages to be paid the apprentice and whether or

not the required related instruction shall be compensated.

     (8) Statements providing:

     (i) For a specific period of probation during which time the apprenticeship agreement may

be terminated by either party to the agreement upon written notice to the department of labor and

training, without adverse impact on the sponsor; and

     (ii) That, after the probationary period, the agreement may be canceled at the request of the

apprentice, or may be suspended, or terminated by the sponsor, for good cause, with due notice to

the apprentice and a reasonable opportunity for corrective action, and with written notice to the

apprentice and to the department of labor and training of the final action taken.

     (9) A reference incorporating as part of the agreement the standards of the apprenticeship

program as it exists on the date of the agreement and as it may be amended during the period of the

agreement.

     (10) A statement that the apprentice will be accorded equal opportunity in all phases of

apprenticeship employment, and training, without discrimination because of race, color, religion,

national origin, or sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, age, or country

of ancestral origin, as set forth in § 28-5-5.

     (11) Name and address, phone telephone number, and e-mail address (if applicable) of the

appropriate authority, if any, designated under the program to receive, process, and make

disposition of controversies or differences arising out of the apprenticeship agreement when the

controversies or differences cannot be adjusted locally or resolved in accordance with the

established procedure or applicable collective bargaining provisions.

     28-45-14. State EEO plan.

     The state apprenticeship program system shall operate in conformance with the state law,

including the equal employment opportunity standards and regulations plan for equal employment

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opportunity in registered apprenticeship programs as adopted by the Rhode Island department of

labor and training.

     28-45-16. Reciprocity.

     (a) When a sponsor of an a registered apprenticeship program registered and operating in

a neighboring state requests registration reciprocal recognition from the department of labor and

training to train apprentices for work projects in this state, the sponsor shall be granted registration

recognition, providing the sponsor conforms with the regulations and standards of the state of

Rhode Island for the occupation.

     (b) An apprentice registered in an approved registered apprenticeship program in a

neighboring state will be awarded certification of registration for state purposes upon request and

on the condition that the neighboring state’s sponsorship program is registered with the appropriate

state apprentice agency.

     (c) The department of labor and training shall have the authority to expand or limit the

number of states that are subject to the provisions of subsection (a) by regulation through the

promulgation of rules and regulations.

     (d) The department of labor and training shall accord reciprocal approval for federal

purposes to apprentices, apprenticeship programs, and standards that are registered in other states

by the United States Department of Labor by another registration agency as defined in 29 C.F.R. §

29.2 or a registration agency recognized by the United States Department of Labor if the reciprocity

is requested by the apprenticeship program sponsor. Program sponsors seeking reciprocal approval

must meet Rhode Island wage and hour provisions and apprentice ratio standards.

     SECTION 10. Section 28-45-18 of the General Laws in Chapter 28-45 entitled

"Apprenticeship Programs in Trade and Industry" is hereby repealed.

     28-45-18. Vocational school training.

     (a) The council on elementary and secondary education may authorize vocational schools

to provide apprenticeship classroom training to students subject to the approval of the Rhode Island

department of labor and training.

     (b) In the event the council authorizes state-certified apprenticeship training under

subsection (a), and a student successfully completes the vocational school program, then the student

shall receive apprentice credit, to be applied against a state-certified apprenticeship program

requirement set forth by the state apprenticeship council pursuant to § 28-45-13, for one hundred

forty-four (144) hours of apprenticeship classroom training.

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     SECTION 11. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- ELECTRICIANS

***

     This act comprehensively amends the state’s apprenticeship laws to make them more

consistent with applicable federal regulations and makes said laws more comprehendible and

consistent with each other.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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