SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 5662

                            AS OF FEBRUARY 14, 1991

Brief Description:  Reforming prevailing wage statutes.

SPONSORS:Senators Anderson and Barr.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR

Staff:  Jonathan Seib (786‑7427)

Hearing Dates:February 20, 1991

BACKGROUND:

Current law requires employers to pay their workers no less than the prevailing hourly wage on all public works projects of the state, its counties, municipalities or other political subdivisions.

"Prevailing wage" is defined as the wage and benefits paid in the largest city in the county where the work is performed to a majority of workers in a particular occupation.  If there is not a majority paid at the same rate, then the prevailing wage is the average wage and benefits in a locality for a particular occupation.

Certain document posting requirements apply to contracts in excess of $10,000.

SUMMARY:

Employers are required to pay their workers no less than the prevailing hourly wage on all public works projects estimated to cost more than $100,000.

Document posting requirements apply to contracts in excess of $100,000.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested February 12, 1991