Iowa House Bill HF185

Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/25
• Refer: 1/30/25

Caption

A bill for an act requiring the consideration of project labor agreements for certain state construction projects.

Impact

The bill requires state agencies to consider utilizing project labor agreements during the planning phases of applicable construction projects. When determining whether to implement such agreements, state agencies must evaluate several factors, including the risk of labor disruptions, project urgency, complexity, and overall benefits compared to project costs. As a result, if a project labor agreement is deemed beneficial to the state's interests, the state agency may mandate its usage, ensuring that all contractors involved are compliant with the set terms.

Summary

House File 185 (HF185) introduces a framework for the consideration of project labor agreements specifically for large-scale construction projects in the state of Iowa. The bill defines a large-scale construction project as any vertical public works project with a total cost of $25 million or more. A project labor agreement is established as a pre-hire collective bargaining agreement that outlines the basic terms and conditions of employment for the duration of the project. The underlying intention of the bill is to facilitate smoother project execution by mitigating potential labor disputes and ensuring timeliness in project completion.

Conclusion

HF185 reflects a legislative effort to enhance the management and operational efficiency of large-scale state construction projects through pre-empted agreements designed to stabilize labor relations. By ensuring that a structured agreement is considered, the bill aims to diminish the risks associated with strikes or workforce disruptions, ultimately supporting the goal of timely and efficient project completion.

Contention

One notable aspect of HF185 is its provision that allows state agencies to compel contractors and subcontractors to enter into project labor agreements specifically tailored for each project. This mandate hinges on the state agency's findings that such agreements will positively impact the project's efficiency and compliance with existing laws. However, the bill does not obligate any contractor to negotiate or enter into an agreement with a particular labor organization, thereby leaving room for flexibility in contractor partnerships while still adhering to the collective bargaining framework.