TX
Texas House Bill HB169

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas House Bill HB169

Caption

Relating to the requirement that contractors verify compliance with wage payment laws in governmental contracts with governmental entities.

Impact

The implications of HB 169 are significant for the landscape of governmental contracting. By instituting a formal certification process, the bill seeks to mitigate instances of wage violations, promoting fair labor practices among government contractors. Additionally, if a contractor is found guilty of such violations more than once, they risk becoming ineligible for future contracts. This serves as a deterrent against unlawful wage practices, ultimately fostering a more compliant contractor environment.

Summary

House Bill 169 is designed to enhance compliance with wage payment laws among contractors engaging in governmental contracts in Texas. The bill mandates that contractors must certify their compliance with certain wage payment laws, including federal statutes such as the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Davis-Bacon Act, as well as relevant state laws. This certification is crucial as it aims to ensure that both contractors and subcontractors maintain a clean record regarding wage violations, particularly within a three-year timeframe preceding the contract date.

Contention

Despite its intentions, HB 169 may face scrutiny surrounding the practical implications of enforcement and the burden it places on contractors. Critics might argue that the certification process could be cumbersome and add layers of bureaucracy, potentially discouraging firms from engaging in governmental contracts. Furthermore, the debarment period of three years could have severe consequences for companies that experience misunderstandings or discrepancies related to wage laws, leading to concerns about due process and fairness in the enforcement of these regulations.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB97

Relating to water breaks for employees of certain contractors with a governmental entity; providing an administrative penalty.

TX HB495

Relating to rest breaks for employees of certain contractors with a governmental entity; providing an administrative penalty.

TX SB1621

Relating to requiring state contractors, political subdivisions of this state, and private employers to participate in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program, or E-verify.

TX HB3846

Relating to requiring state contractors, political subdivisions of this state, and private employers to participate in the federal electronic verification of employment authorization program, or E-verify.

TX HB857

Relating to the requirement for payment bonds from certain public work contractors.

TX HB3399

Relating to governmental contracts with companies that engage in certain economic boycotts.

TX HB3017

Relating to the required posting by governmental entities of employee contracts and compensation on entity Internet websites.

TX SB81

Relating to certain laws that regulate aspects of illegal immigration in this state, including laws pertaining to the DNA records of certain persons subject to an immigration detainer request, the recognition of certain out-of-state driver's licenses, inviting certain federal agencies to participate on the homeland security council, the reporting of certain uncompensated hospital care costs, and certain requirements for participation in the E-verify program; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX HB2265

Relating to the award of compensatory damages caused by certain delays under governmental construction contracts.

TX HB3960

Relating to contracts or agreements entered into by governmental entities involving the enforcement of immigration law or common or contract carriers.

Similar Bills

TX HB2189

Relating to the disclosure of certain contracting information under the public information law.

TX SB943

Relating to the disclosure of certain contracting information under the public information law.

TX HB692

Relating to retainage requirements for certain public works construction projects.

TX SB680

Relating to the disclosure of certain contracting information under the public information law.

TX HB2492

Relating to the disclosure of certain contracting information under the public information law.

TX HB2518

Relating to required lease terms for public property leased to a nongovernmental entity; creating a criminal offense.

FL H0383

Public Construction

TX SB475

Relating to safety training for employees performing construction work under a contract with a governmental entity; providing administrative penalties.