Design-build contractors would offer workers training on public projects

Covered contractors would give employees access to training suited to the work they normally do. This covers contractors on design-build public projects that employ at least 10 people. Developers and general contractors with no direct employee doing construction work are exempt. Contractors may use an apprenticeship, an Ivy Tech program, or a program they run themselves. The requirement would apply after June 30, 2026.

Contractors in the first two tiers would take part in a qualifying apprenticeship or training program. This applies to a tier 1 or tier 2 contractor on a design-build public project that employs at least 50 journeymen, or experienced trade workers. The program must meet standards set or approved by a listed federal or Indiana labor or transportation agency. This requirement would apply after June 30, 2026.

Design-build firms and team members would not pay workers in cash for work on a public project. The rules cover a design-build firm and every member of its team on a public project. They also would have to follow the listed federal and Indiana employment laws. These rules would take effect July 1, 2026.

Public agencies could not require, ban, or favor a contractor's union agreement in a contract where a construction manager also builds the project. The rule covers bidders, offerors, and contractors at every tier. Agencies also could not make a project grant or tax break depend on such a contract term. An agency may make an exception after public notice and a hearing if special circumstances require it to avert an imminent threat to public health or safety. A dispute over using nonunion contractors or workers cannot justify the exception. These restrictions would take effect July 1, 2026.