HB108 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Alan BakerRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Alabama Industry Recognized and Registered Apprenticeship Program Act, Alabama Office of Apprenticeship created to administer state programs in lieu of federal office, apprenticeship tax credit and aggregate apprenticeship tax credit increases, Secs. 40-18-422, 40-18-423, 40-18-424 am'd.

Summary

HB 108 creates a state Office of Apprenticeship, establishes the Alabama Industry Recognized and Registered Apprenticeship Program (AIRRAP) with credentialing, and expands apprenticeship tax credits through 2025.

What This Bill Does

It sets up the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship within the Department of Commerce to certify state apprenticeship programs (in place of the federal office) and issue a nationally recognized completion credential. It creates the AIRRAP model to guide preapprenticeships in 9th grade, youth and adult apprenticeships in later grades, and alignment with in-demand career pathways and credentials, including school-to-work transitions and dual enrollment options. It also increases and extends employer tax incentives for apprentices, including higher per-apprentice credits, a larger overall cap, and an extra credit for in-school youth, with the program running through 2025, and retains Perkins Act funding administration with the State Department of Education.

Who It Affects

• Employers who hire apprentices: eligible for increased tax credits per apprentice (from $1,000 to $1,250) and a higher annual cap, plus an additional $500 credit for in-school youth apprentices, with credits limited to four tax years per apprentice and requirements to confirm program compliance.
• Apprentices and preapprentices: gain access to state-certified programs, potential nationally recognized credentials, and pathways from high school to college credits and employment; youth apprentices gain in-school options and possible dual enrollment.
• Educational institutions and workforce partners: the State Department of Education remains the Perkins Act fund administrator; the Alabama Community College System acts as State Apprenticeship Intermediary to provide instruction and support; schools coordinate articulation and dual enrollment with AIRRAP.
• The Alabama Office of Apprenticeship and the Alabama Apprenticeship Council: regulate, register, and oversee apprenticeship programs, ensure compliance with federal standards, and resolve disputes.

Key Provisions

• Establishes the Alabama Industry Recognized and Registered Apprenticeship Program Act and creates the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship to certify programs in lieu of the federal office.
• Authorizes the Office to certify registered and industry-recognized apprenticeships and to issue a nationally recognized state apprenticeship completion credential for programs it certifies.
• Creates the AIRRAP model aligning technical instruction and on-the-job training with in-demand regional and statewide career pathways, starting in 9th grade with preapprenticeships and extending through high school to include diplomas, associate degrees, and credentials.
• Provides for articulation and dual enrollment between high schools and community colleges to smooth transitions and allow work-based learning credits to count toward graduation.
• Establishes the Alabama Apprenticeship Council to regulate apprenticeship programs, approve standards, ensure equal opportunity compliance, resolve disputes, and advise on deregistration or suspension of programs.
• Defines key terms (apprentice, program, registration, industry-recognized apprenticeship, in-school youth, etc.) and sets the regulatory framework for program registration, deregistration, and oversight.
• Amends the Apprenticeship Tax Credit Act to raise per-apprentice credits from $1,000 to $1,250, raise the aggregate cap from $3,000,000 to $7,500,000 annually, and add a $500 per in-school youth apprentice credit, with credits limited to four years per apprentice and tied to employment duration thresholds.
• Extends the apprenticeship tax credit through 2025 and maintains eligibility conditions, including coordination with the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship and the Alabama Workforce Development Division for compliance and reporting.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Alabama Industry Recognized and Registered Apprenticeship Program Act