Committee debates certified‑payroll language tied to prevailing wage; members propose delay and clarification

Committee members debated a proposed certified‑payroll requirement tied to prevailing wage and Davis‑Bacon sections and heard questions about who would receive the data and how small contractors would be affected.

David McMurray, representing Work in Vermont, said the provision was intended to align state prevailing‑wage compliance with established practice and noted that prevailing‑wage thresholds typically apply to larger public projects. He said the federal Davis‑Bacon rules are distinct but the proposed state language seeks comparable reporting for state prevailing‑wage work.

Several members expressed concern about language that would automatically send certified‑payroll records to the attorney general’s office. The attorney general’s staff can request such records now, but members worried that automatic reporting could deter small contractors from bidding on public work. One committee member proposed removing the automatic transmission and instead preserving the AG’s ability to request records.

Members discussed a proposed effective delay: making certified‑payroll reporting effective one year after enactment to allow outreach and training for small contractors and municipal employers. Committee members also noted that prevailing‑wage rules only apply above a monetary threshold; a figure mentioned in discussion was $100,000 as a typical threshold for prevailing wage applicability.

The committee agreed to revisit the certified‑payroll proposal at the next meeting and to invite the Vermont Agency of Transportation to provide testimony and implementation details. No vote was recorded at the meeting; members asked staff to prepare a draft amendment and to clarify which projects would be subject to the provision.