Connecticut House Bill HB05089

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/6/11
• Refer: 1/6/11

Caption

An Act Exempting Certain Buildings From Prevailing Wage Requirements.

Impact

If enacted, HB 05089 would have significant implications for state laws regarding labor and wage requirements. By exempting specific private individuals leasing municipal buildings from the prevailing wage requirements, the bill may lead to reduced labor costs for such projects. This could, in turn, encourage more private investments in municipal buildings and stimulate economic activity, particularly in the entertainment sector. However, there are concerns regarding how this exemption might affect labor standards and workers' rights, especially if it leads to a disparity in pay between public and private sector projects.

Summary

House Bill 05089 aims to amend current statutes concerning prevailing wage requirements for certain buildings leased by municipalities. Specifically, the bill proposes that any building leased by a municipality to a private individual for entertainment purposes should be exempt from prevailing wage laws, provided that the lessee assumes all liability for maintaining the structure in accordance with state and local building codes. This change intends to provide municipalities and private lessees with more flexibility in managing financial obligations related to construction and improvements on such leased properties.

Contention

The bill has generated some points of contention among lawmakers and advocacy groups. Proponents argue that the measure is necessary to facilitate the use of municipal buildings for entertainment, as it may lower costs and promote development. Conversely, opponents raise concerns that exempting these buildings from prevailing wage standards undermines fair labor practices and could result in lower wages for workers engaged in such projects. There is worry that decreasing compliance with prevailing wage laws might lead to less qualified labor and could overall impact the quality and safety of construction and maintenance work performed on these leased properties.