New Jersey Assembly Bill A1301

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

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

Caption

Concerns prevailing wage payments in residential construction projects.

Impact

The enactment of A1301 will have significant implications for residential construction projects that are financially supported by public bodies. By ensuring that workers receive at least the federal prevailing wage, the bill aims to increase labor standards in residential construction, thereby potentially improving the living wage for construction workers involved in such projects. Moreover, this legislation seeks to provide consistency across various residential construction projects that receive state or local financial support.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1301 addresses the issue of prevailing wage payments specifically in residential construction projects in New Jersey. The bill mandates that if an entity undertakes a residential construction project that receives financial assistance from a state or local public body, and is not otherwise required by law to pay the prevailing wage, it must still pay the prevailing wage rate determined by the Secretary of Labor under the Davis-Bacon Act. This ensures that workers are compensated at the federal prevailing wage level when public financial assistance is involved in the project, even if local laws do not apply the same wage requirements.

Contention

There are likely to be points of contention surrounding A1301, particularly concerning the implications for construction companies and the costs associated with compliance. Supporters of the bill argue that it protects workers and upholds fair wage standards, while opponents may contend that it could discourage development by increasing project costs. The balance between promoting fair labor practices and maintaining a conducive environment for residential development is central to the discussions surrounding this bill. Stakeholders will need to weigh the benefits to workers against the potential for increased project expenses and development challenges.