Missouri House Bill HB2388

Missouri 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 5/13/22

Caption

Exempts institutions of higher education from prevailing wage laws for certain purposes

Impact

The implications of HB 2388 are significant for the landscape of public works and construction related to higher education. By allowing exemptions from prevailing wage laws, the bill may facilitate quicker completion of essential maintenance and demolition projects on college campuses. Supporters argue that this will enable educational institutions to allocate their budgets more efficiently, thereby redirecting funds toward other critical areas such as academic programs or student services. The bill is framed as a measure to streamline project approvals and reduce unnecessary expenditures associated with higher wage standards.

Summary

House Bill 2388 proposes to amend chapter 290 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri by adding a new section that specifically addresses prevailing wage laws in the context of certain projects undertaken by institutions of higher education. The bill defines 'qualified projects' as those projects aimed at demolishing or removing buildings that are no longer in use, with funding sourced from a designated 'Deferred Maintenance' account or similar accounts. The most significant aspect of this legislation is that it offers exemptions to higher education institutions from general prevailing wage requirements on these qualified projects, thereby potentially reducing their labor costs.

Contention

However, the bill may spark contention among various stakeholders. Critics often argue that prevailing wage laws are essential for ensuring fair compensation for workers engaged in publicly funded projects, promoting not just economic stability for laborers but also contributing to higher standards of skilled labor. There may also be concerns regarding the quality of work performed on these exempt projects, as lowering labor costs could incentivize hiring practices that prioritize cheaper labor over skilled craftsmanship. The debate around HB 2388 essentially centers on balancing cost savings for higher education against the fair treatment of workers in the construction and maintenance industries.