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Committee advances concept to assess use of unlicensed construction labor contractors
Summary
The committee heard testimony on House Bill 4,012 directing the Construction Contractors Board and the Bureau of Labor and Industries to plan and carry out a targeted assessment of unlicensed construction labor contractors. Agencies and industry witnesses emphasized a data-driven, education-first approach; no fiscal impact was reported at the hearing.
The House Labor and Workforce Development Committee opened a public hearing on House Bill 4,012 on Feb. 2, 2025, a committee bill that would have the Construction Contractors Board (CCB) and the Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) conduct a time-limited assessment of unlicensed construction labor contractors.
Erin, the committee staffer, described the dash‑1 amendment: planning must be completed by Dec. 31, 2026; the targeted assessment would run from Jan. 1, 2027, to July 1, 2027; CCB may incorporate screenings for unlicensed labor contractors into existing worksite visits; and CCB and BOLI would report to interim business and labor committees no later than Oct. 1, 2027. Erin said there is no fiscal or revenue impact identified at this time.
Chair Dacia Graber framed the bill as an "education rather than punishment" first step to reduce wage theft and regulatory noncompliance and to equip agencies with evidence to propose future statutory changes. Graber described the bill’s aim: "to temporarily heighten enforcement visibility on this topic... and to arm our agencies with insight that will allow them to make informed recommendations for the next phase of discussion and policy."
Chris Huntington, administrator of the Oregon Construction Contractors Board, said CCB supports understanding the scope of unlicensed labor contractors and appreciates the bill’s approach to keep agencies "within our existing authorities." Josh Nasby of the Bureau of Labor and Industries said BOLI looks forward to sharing expertise with CCB and delivering "hard recommendations" to the Legislature. Representatives of the Associated General Contractors and the Oregon Home Builders Association voiced support for a data-driven effort to ensure an even playing field.
Chair Graber closed the public hearing after testimony; no committee vote was taken. Next steps and any amendments will be considered in subsequent committee action.
