SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5070

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As of January 19, 2011

Title: An act relating to prevailing wage records requests.

Brief Description: Regarding records requests relating to prevailing wage investigations.

Sponsors: Senators Conway, Kohl-Welles, Kline and Chase; by request of Department of Labor & Industries.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection: 1/20/11.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & CONSUMER PROTECTION

Staff: Mac Nicholson (786-7445)

Background: Prevailing wages must be paid to laborers, workers, and mechanics on public works projects. The prevailing wage is the rate of hourly wage, usual benefits, and overtime paid to the majority of workers in the same trade or occupation in the largest city in the county where the work is performed. The Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) administers and enforces state prevailing wage laws, and investigates complaints of violations of prevailing wage laws or rules.

Summary of Bill: An employer, contractor, or subcontractor that fails to provide or allow inspection of records requested by L&I within 30 days of the request may not use the records in any proceeding to challenge the correctness of any determination made by L&I that wages are owed; that a record or statement is false; or that the employer, contractor, or subcontractor has failed to file a record or statement.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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