Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas House Bill HB665

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the requirement that contractors verify compliance with wage payment laws in contracts with public bodies.

Impact

Should this bill be enacted, it would directly affect state contracting procedures by introducing requirements that enhance scrutiny of contractor behavior regarding wage payments. Additionally, public bodies would now be obliged to develop and implement administrative procedures that effectively verify compliance with these regulations. This means an increase in oversight functions within these entities, potentially leading to improved labor law compliance within the contractor sector.

Summary

House Bill 665 is designed to ensure that contractors engaged in providing goods or services to public bodies in Texas comply with wage payment laws. It mandates that contractors provide written certification confirming they have not been found guilty of repeated or willful violations of labor laws, specifically Chapter 61 or 62 of the Labor Code, the Fair Labor Standards Act, or analogous statutes. This requirement aims to instill a level of accountability and legal compliance among contractors who conduct business with state agencies and political subdivisions.

Conclusion

Ultimately, HB665 aims to bolster labor law adherence in public contracting by holding contractors accountable for their compliance history. The intent is to create a more equitable environment for workers while ensuring that taxpayers' funds are utilized in ways that align with state labor standards. The discussions surrounding this bill will undoubtedly highlight both its potential benefits for labor rights and the challenges it poses for contractor accessibility to public contracts.

Contention

Notably, the bill introduces mechanisms for debarment, whereby contractors found ineligible due to non-compliance would be barred from future contracts with public bodies. This aspect could lead to significant discourse surrounding the fairness and efficiency of such debarment processes. Critics may argue that the legislation could disproportionately affect smaller contractors who may have a less robust understanding of the complexities surrounding wage laws, thereby limiting their opportunities to compete for public contracts.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 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 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 HB1418

Relating to state agency contracting and certain state employees involved with the contracting.

TX HB3485

Relating to a contractor's or subcontractor's right to elect not to proceed with additional work under a contract.

TX HB2760

Relating to the disclosure of certain gifts, grants, contracts, and financial interests received from a foreign source by certain state agencies, public institutions of higher education, and state contractors, and to the approval and monitoring of employment-related foreign travel and activities by certain public institution of higher education employees; providing civil and administrative penalties.

TX SB2459

Relating to the disclosure of certain gifts, grants, contracts, and financial interests received from a foreign source by certain state agencies, public institutions of higher education, and state contractors, and to the approval and monitoring of employment-related foreign travel and activities by certain public institution of higher education employees; providing civil and administrative penalties.

Similar Bills

CA AB334

Public contracts: conflicts of interest.

CA AB971

Public contracts: information technology services: contractor evaluations.

VA HB2500

Construction contracts; payment clauses to be included in certain contracts.

CA AB1546

Public contracts: information technology: contractor performance assessment report.

CA AB2557

Local agencies: contracts for special services and temporary help: performance reports.

OR SB722

Relating to retainage in construction contracts; prescribing an effective date.

OR HB4006

Relating to submitting surety bonds in lieu of retainage; declaring an emergency.

NJ A908

Prohibits employment of illegal aliens and requires use of E-Verify program in public contracts.