HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                     HB 3073

Brief Description:  Requiring the use of stratified random sampling survey methodology for                                         determination of prevailing wages.

Sponsors:  Representatives Koster, Boldt and Sherstad.

                  Hearing:  February 2, 1998

BACKGROUND:

The prevailing wage law requires that employees on public works construction projects be paid the prevailing wage.  The Department of Labor and Industries administers the prevailing wage law.  The prevailing wage is the rate of hourly wage, usual benefits, and overtime paid in a locality to a majority of workers, laborers, or mechanics, in the same trade or occupation. All determinations of the  prevailing wage are made by the industrial statistician of the Department of Labor and Industries.

SUMMARY OF BILL:

The industrial statistician determines the prevailing wage based on the results of a stratified random sampling methodology.

RULES AUTHORITY:  The bill does not contain provisions addressing the rule making powers of an agency.

FISCAL NOTE:  Not requested.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.