SB358 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Clay Scofield

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Apprenticeships, completion of apprenticeship and fulfillment of other requirements to entitle applicant to receive occupational license

Summary

SB 358 would let apprenticeship completers qualify for an occupational license and expand youth apprenticeship opportunities for 14-17-year-olds.

What This Bill Does

Licensing authorities would grant an occupational license to applicants who completed an apprenticeship, passed any required exam, completed the 8th grade, and are otherwise eligible. They may not set higher exam standards for these applicants than for other license applicants; if no exam is required, none would be required for apprentices. The apprenticeship term would follow standard program guidelines, and licensing authorities would adopt rules to implement these changes. The bill also expands opportunities for in-school youths by allowing 14-17-year-olds to participate in certified youth apprenticeship programs under specific conditions.

Who It Affects

• Individuals who complete an apprenticeship and want an occupational license in that trade (they would qualify if they meet grade, exam, and eligibility requirements).
• Licensing authorities and boards (they must grant licenses under the new rules and cannot impose higher exam standards on apprentices).
• Employers and eligible employers (they may participate in apprenticeship programs that count toward licensing and may hire younger apprentices under the new rules).
• In-school youth aged 14-17 (they could participate in certified apprenticeship programs and work in certain occupations under set conditions).

Key Provisions

• Establishes the ELBA Act and defines key terms such as apprentice, apprenticeable occupation, apprenticeship program, and licensing authority.
• Requires licensing authorities to grant an occupational license to an applicant who has completed an apprenticeship (with valid agreement and supervision), completed the 8th grade, achieved a passing score on required exams, and is otherwise eligible.
• Precludes licensing authorities from setting higher minimum passing scores for these apprenticeship recipients; if an exam is not required, none is required for them.
• Links the license term to standard apprenticeship program standards (as described in 29 C.F.R. §29.5) and requires authorities to adopt rules to implement the section.
• Amends certain child labor laws to allow 14-17-year-olds to work in some occupations through registered youth pre-apprenticeship or youth apprenticeship programs with appropriate supervision and program registration.
• Effective date: the act takes effect on the first day of the third month after the Governor signs it.

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

Subjects

Apprenticeships