Connecticut House Bill HB05159

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/21
• Refer: 1/13/21

Caption

An Act Increasing The Prevailing Wage Threshold For Renovations.

Impact

The proposed changes under HB 05159 are expected to have significant implications on labor and wage standards within the construction industry. By raising the threshold, the bill intends to exempt smaller renovation projects from prevailing wage laws, potentially making it easier for contractors and businesses to manage costs without the burden of higher wages required on government-funded projects. Proponents of the bill argue that this would stimulate economic activity by allowing more renovation projects to proceed without the constraints imposed by the current wage laws.

Summary

House Bill 05159 proposes an increase in the prevailing wage threshold for renovations to a minimum of four hundred thousand dollars. The bill aims to amend the existing statutes to reflect this increase and also mandates that thresholds for both new construction and renovations be indexed annually based on inflation rates. This adjustment seeks to ensure that the prevailing wage remains relevant and competitive over time, accounting for the impacts of economic changes.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding this bill include concerns from labor advocates who argue that raising the threshold may undermine fair labor practices. They contend that the prevailing wage laws are crucial for ensuring that workers receive fair compensation on public projects, and increasing the threshold could lead to disparities in wages for those involved in smaller renovation works. Critics of the bill fear that it may set a precedent for further erosion of labor protections in the construction industry, thereby affecting the overall wage standards.