Illinois House Bill HB1090

Illinois 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/25
• Refer: 1/9/25
• Refer: 2/4/25
• Refer: 3/21/25

Caption

PREVAILING WAGE-PUBLIC WORKS

Impact

The legislation reinforces existing regulations regarding wages for workers on public projects by clearly outlining what constitutes 'public works.' This clarity can impact future public contracts, ensuring that workers on these projects are compensated according to prevailing wage standards. This may affect contractor obligations and budgets for public works projects funded by state sources, potentially leading to increased costs for state-funded construction initiatives.

Summary

House Bill 1090 proposes amendments to the Prevailing Wage Act of Illinois, primarily focusing on redefining and clarifying the definition of 'public works.' The bill specifies that the act applies to laborers, mechanics, and other workers on public works projects financed wholly or partly with state funds. The changes aim to ensure that workers involved in various construction and maintenance activities receive fair wages and adhere to established employment standards.

Contention

While the bill serves to protect workers' rights, it may also encounter opposition from various stakeholders. Contractors may argue that mandatory adherence to prevailing wage standards raises their operational costs, affecting their competitiveness and the overall cost of public projects. Additionally, there may be discussions around whether the bill provides sufficient flexibility for local governments and private contractors to adjust to these wage standards without jeopardizing project viability.