Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Labor & Workforce Development Committee |
HB 1255
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. |
Brief Description: Concerning exemptions from prevailing wage for school plant facilities receiving state funding assistance through the school construction assistance program.
Sponsors: Representatives Manweller and Magendanz.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/30/13
Staff: Jill Reinmuth (786-7134).
Background:
The state Public Works Act requires that employees of government contractors be paid prevailing wages on public work and public building service maintenance contracts. The prevailing wage is the hourly wage, usual benefits, and overtime paid in the largest city in each county to the majority of workers in a particular trade or occupation. Public work is work, construction, alterations, repairs, or improvements other than ordinary maintenance executed at the cost of the state or any county, municipality, or political subdivision. Public building service maintenance contracts are janitorial service contracts.
The state School Construction Assistance Program (SCAP) provides financial assistance to school districts for the construction of new schools and the modernization of existing facilities. The Legislature makes appropriations to the SCAP in the state capital budget. The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) administers the SCAP. A school district must secure local funding before it is eligible for state financial assistance. Once the local share is secured, the state allocates funding to districts based on space and cost standards and a statutory funding assistance percentage. Sixteen school districts received approximately $213 million for construction and modernization projects in 2012 .
Summary of Bill:
School plant facility projects are exempt from prevailing wage requirements if they are receiving funding assistance through the state School Construction Assistance Program.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on 1/23/13.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.