SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5744

As of February 13, 2001

Title:  An act relating to prevailing wages in public contracts.

Brief Description:  Adjusting prevailing wage laws.

Sponsors:  Senators Haugen, Horn, Oke, Kohl‑Welles and McDonald; by request of The Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Transportation:  2/13/01.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff:  Jennifer Ziegler (786-7316)

Background:  The Legislature and the Governor formed the Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation in 1998 to assess the local, regional and state transportation system; ensure that current and future money is spent wisely; make the system more accountable and predictable; and prepare a 20-year plan for funding and investing in the transportation system.  The commission consisted of 46 members representing business, labor, agriculture, tribes, government, ports, shipping, trucking, transit, rail, environmental interests and the general public.

The commission made 18 recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature.  Recommendation Seven directs the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to achieve construction and project delivery efficiencies.  As part of the recommendation, the commission directed WSDOT to assess prevailing wage survey techniques.

Summary of Bill:  The Department of Labor and Industries and WSDOT must work together to assess the current practices used in setting prevailing wages for transportation projects.  The assessment must examine the possibility of cost savings through reduced labor costs.  A final report must be submitted to the Legislature by December 1, 2001.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 12, 2001.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.