Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1465

Introduced
6/21/23  
Refer
6/21/23  
Refer
6/22/23  
Report Pass
6/29/23  
Refer
10/17/23  
Report Pass
10/18/23  
Engrossed
10/18/23  

Caption

Providing for minimum wage standards in underground infrastructure work, for application of Prevailing Wage Act, for enforcement, for penalties and appeals and for protection from retaliation; and creating a private right of action.

Impact

This legislation will significantly influence the regulation of labor standards in Pennsylvania, particularly for work conducted by public utilities. It extends the provisions of the Prevailing Wage Act to cover all contractors involved in underground infrastructure work, enhancing wage protections and ensuring compliance with workplace safety standards. The bill also introduces a mechanism for employees to report violations without fear of retaliation, which is expected to strengthen worker rights and protections in the relevant industries.

Summary

House Bill 1465, known as the Underground Infrastructure Works Act, aims to establish minimum wage standards specifically for underground infrastructure work while ensuring compliance with the existing Prevailing Wage Act. The bill outlines the responsibilities of public utilities and their contractors regarding worker wages, safety training, and documentation. By mandating that workers receive proper training and are paid at least the prevailing wage, the bill seeks to improve both worker protections and overall work quality in the infrastructure sector.

Sentiment

The reception of HB 1465 has been mixed but generally leaning positive among labor advocacy groups who view it as a crucial step in protecting blue-collar workers' rights. Supporters argue that the bill will help uphold fair labor practices and ensure safety in infrastructure projects. Conversely, some industry representatives express concern over the potential increase in operational costs and complications related to compliance, fearing it could lead to slower project timelines and reduced workforce participation.

Contention

Notable points of contention relate to the balance between improving worker protections and the economic impact on public utilities and contractors. Industry critics suggest that the additional financial burdens may discourage bidding by smaller firms, potentially leading to monopolistic practices among larger companies. The enforcement mechanisms and potential penalties for non-compliance are also debated, as stakeholders seek clarity on the application of these provisions and their implications for future contracts.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB139

Underground infrastructure works by public service companies; payment of prevailing wage rate.

PA HB2743

Public service companies; prevailing wage rate for underground infrastructure works.

PA HB846

Further providing for definitions, for specifications, for prevailing wage and for duty of secretary.

PA SB908

Further providing for definitions, for specifications, for prevailing wage and for duty of secretary.

PA SB841

Further providing for definitions, for specifications, for prevailing wage and for duty of secretary.

PA HB721

Further providing for definitions, for improper classification of employees and for criminal penalties; providing for private right of action; further providing for administrative penalties, for retaliation for action prohibited, for availability of information, for use of penalty funds and for funding; and imposing penalties.

PA HB1751

Further providing for definitions, for improper classification of employees and for criminal penalties; providing for private right of action; further providing for administrative penalties, for retaliation for action prohibited, for availability of information, for use of penalty funds and for funding; and imposing penalties.

PA HB1141

In preliminary provisions, further providing for short title, for declaration of intent and for definitions; in wages and hours, further providing for minimum wages, for piece rates, for employment of minors, for discrimination on account of sex prohibited, for records required and notice to workers, for wage payment and for hours of labor and providing for minimum guaranteed period of employment; in regulations and inspections, further providing for rules and regulations, for inspections and entry, for permit to operate a seasonal farm labor camp, for enforcement orders, for civil remedies and for drinking water and toilet facilities and providing for food service and cooking facilities, for cooperative agreements with Federal and State agencies, for medical services and for posting of information concerning housing; in access and entry, further providing for tenancy rights, for interference prohibited and for privileged persons and providing for privacy rights of tenants; in registration of farm labor contractors, further providing for annual registration required, for qualifications of registrants, for agents exempt from registration and employment agencies, for farm labor contractors and agents and prohibited activities and for Secretary of Labor and Industry and powers and duties; in construction, repeals, penalties and effective date, further providing for criminal penalties and providing for retaliation prohibited, for private right of action and for civil penalties and enforcement orders; and making an editorial change.

PA HB517

Providing for a construction job tax credit and for compliance with prevailing wage for tax credits and imposing penalties.

PA SB577

Further providing for definitions, for improper classification of employees and for criminal penalties; providing for private right of action; and further providing for administrative penalties, for retaliation for action prohibited, for availability of information and for funding.

Similar Bills

VA HB2743

Public service companies; prevailing wage rate for underground infrastructure works.

VA HB139

Underground infrastructure works by public service companies; payment of prevailing wage rate.

CA SB70

Electricity: undergrounding of electrical infrastructure.

CA AB2889

Wildfire mitigation plans: electrical infrastructure: hardening.

CA AB1228

Electricity: expedited utility distribution infrastructure undergrounding program.

MN SF740

Grant award requirements modification for the border-to-border broadband development grant program

MN HF844

Provisions governing broadband workforce plan data modified, investigative authority modified, and provisions governing underground telecommunications infrastructure modified.

CA SB884

Electricity: expedited utility distribution infrastructure undergrounding program.