BILL REQ. #:  S-2992.1 

Read first time 04/10/2003.   Referred to Committee on Highways & Transportation.

     AN ACT Relating to requiring the use of a stratified random sampling survey methodology for determination of prevailing wages; amending RCW 39.12.015; and providing an expiration date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 39.12.015 and 1965 ex.s. c 133 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) All determinations of the prevailing rate of wage shall be made by the industrial statistician of the department of labor and industries. By January 1, 2004, the industrial statistician shall determine the prevailing rate of wage using a stratified random sampling method.
     (2)(a) A stratified random sampling method must be used to the broadest extent possible, subject to available resources.
     (b) If it is determined by the industrial statistician, in consultation with the prevailing wage advisory committee established in subsection (4) of this section, that sample size, strata size, or other factors do not permit the effective use of a stratified random sampling method, an equally reliable statistical method must be used.
     (3) In order to ensure a fair and scientifically accurate stratified random sampling survey, the industrial statistician shall consult with the prevailing wage advisory committee established in subsection (4) of this section regarding the necessary scientific methods, implementation parameters, and resource allocations.
     (4) The director shall appoint a prevailing wage advisory committee composed of eleven members: Four members representing subject workers, each of whom must be appointed from a list of names submitted by a recognized statewide organization of employees, representing a majority of employees in a cross-section of state industries; four members representing subject employers, each of whom must be appointed from a list of names submitted by a recognized statewide organization of employers, representing a majority of employers in a cross-section of state industries; and three ex officio members, without a vote, two of whom must represent the counties, and the other representing the department. The member representing the department shall be chairperson. Labor, business, and county representatives must include representatives from both large and small entities. The committee shall, as necessary, report to the legislative committees dealing with commerce and labor regarding the implementation of this section.
     (5) Subsections (2), (3), (4), and (5) of this section expire December 31, 2004.