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House approves changes to prevailing‑wage law, banning split rates and adding off‑site fabrication and duct cleaning
Summary
The House passed House Bill 846, which prohibits split rates on prevailing‑wage projects and adds off‑site custom fabrication and HVAC duct cleaning to prevailing‑wage coverage. Supporters said it closes loopholes; opponents warned of increased costs and enforcement burdens.
House members considered House Bill 846, described by sponsor Representative Dawkins as strengthening the Prevailing Wage Act by “preventing split rates and covering off‑site, custom fabrication.” Proponents said the bill closes loopholes that allow contractors to avoid prevailing‑wage obligations. Representative Dawkins argued the changes ensure workers on public projects receive family‑sustaining wages and level the playing field for contractors.
Opponents, including Representative Bond, said the bill is “not ready for prime time,” arguing that applying prevailing wage to factory-based custom fabrication and to HVAC duct cleaning (a maintenance activity) would increase project costs, slow construction, and require additional enforcement staff. Representative Bond noted a Department of Labor and Industry estimate that enforcing the expanded provisions could require 10 new investigators and two clerical assistants.
The House adopted the bill on final passage by recorded vote: yeas 126, nays 76.
Why it matters: The change alters which work on publicly funded projects is subject to prevailing wage requirements and restricts multiple-rate payments when workers split tasks. That affects construction costs and contractor practices, and could influence public‑project budgets and timelines.
What’s next: The bill will be presented to the Senate for concurrence.
