PA
Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB855

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB855

Introduced
6/18/25  

Caption

Further providing for duty of contractor; providing for registration of contractors and subcontractors, for registration fees, for proof of registration and for duties of contractors, subcontractors and the department; and further providing for remedies and penalties.

Impact

The bill significantly impacts state laws governing public works by requiring all contractors and subcontractors to register before they can bid or perform any public work. This necessitates a comprehensive background check and the submission of various identifying information. Should a contractor fail to meet these registration requirements, they could face substantial penalties, including financial fines reaching up to $5,000 for subsequent offenses, debarment from future contracts, and the establishment of a public database of compliance which enhances oversight capabilities.

Summary

Senate Bill 855 focuses on reforming the Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act by creating stricter regulations for contractors and subcontractors involved in public works. The primary changes include mandates for contractor registration and enhanced accountability measures, as well as increased penalties for noncompliance. These amendments aim to ensure that workers receive fair wages and that employers adhere to standardized practices in public contracting, thereby promoting transparency and fairness in public procurement processes.

Sentiment

General sentiment toward SB855 reflects a commitment to ensuring fair labor standards through rigorous enforcement. Supporters assert that the bill strengthens the protection of workers' rights and promotes equitable pay, thereby enhancing the integrity of public contracting. However, there may be pushback from contractors who view the registration and compliance requirements as overly burdensome, potentially complicating or limiting their ability to participate in public work opportunities.

Contention

Notably, the contention surrounding SB855 arises from concerns regarding the balance between stringent oversight and operational feasibility for contractors. While proponents argue that these measures will yield fairer wages and better work conditions for laborers, critics caution that the increased regulatory burden could disproportionately affect smaller contracting firms. This legislative change confronts the broader debate on how best to ensure labor rights while fostering a competitive contracting environment.

Latest PA SB855 Activity

View All Events: PA 2025-2026 Regular Session SB855

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB2629

In registration system, providing for verification of citizenship; in voter registration, further providing for methods of voter registration; in penalties, further providing for duties under part; and, in provisions contingent on Federal Law, further providing for removal of electors.

PA SB171

Further providing for procedures for registration as a contractor.

PA HB1771

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in registration system, further providing for departmental responsibilities; in voter registration, further providing for methods of voter registration and for application with driver's license application, providing for automatic voter registration and for time and further providing for preparation and distribution of applications and for approval of registration applications; and making a repeal.

PA HB1703

In voter registration, further providing for methods of voter registration, providing for electronic voter registration, for electronic submission of changes to registration and for time for electronic voter registration and further providing for preparation and distribution of applications and for approval of registration applications; in records, further providing for general register, for district registers and for reports; in changes in records, further providing for removal notices and for change of enrollment of political party; and, in penalties, further providing for altering registration.

PA SB40

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in registration system, further providing for departmental responsibilities and for SURE system; in voter registration, further providing for methods of voter registration and for application with driver's license application, providing for Commonwealth agencies and other entities and further providing for preparation and distribution of applications and for approval of registration applications; and providing for privacy and security standards for voter registration in this Commonwealth.

PA HB2621

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in administration, further providing for duties of department and agencies; and providing for registration of abuse and neglect perpetrators.

PA HB1758

In registration system, further providing for SURE system; in voter registration, further providing for approval of registration applications; in records, further providing for public information lists; and, in changes in records, further providing for removal notices, for transfer of registration and for death of registrant.

PA HB128

In voter registration, further providing for methods of voter registration, providing for same-day voter registration and further providing for preparation and distribution of applications.

PA HB2701

In registration system, further providing for commission staff; in voter registration, further providing for residence of electors, for in-person voter registration, for application with driver's license application, for application by mail, for government agencies, for preparation and distribution of applications and for approval of registration applications; in records, further providing for district registers; in changes in records, repealing provisions relating to change of enrollment of political party; and, in penalties, further providing for preventing registration and for approval of registration.

PA HB1224

Providing for criteria for independent contractors in the traveling sales industry and for the powers and duties of the Department of Labor and Industry; and imposing penalties.

Similar Bills

CA AB1121

Public works: ineligibility list.

CA AB3018

State contracts: skilled and trained workforce.

CA SB830

Public works.

CA SB877

State Government.

CA AB1843

State government.

MS HB272

Construction contracts; provide certain requirements regarding payment and retainage.

PA HB610

In public works employment verification, further providing for definitions, for duty of public works contractors and subcontractors, for verification form, for violations, for enforcement and sanctions, for Public Works Employment Verification Account, for protection from retaliation, for good faith immunity and for public works contractor and subcontractor liability; and making an editorial change.

MI SB0571

Labor: hours and wages; prevailing wage; require on certain solar and wind energy projects, and require contractors to obtain a registration to perform work on certain projects. Amends secs. 1, 2, 8 & 22 of 2023 PA 10 (MCL 408.1101 et seq.) & adds secs. 2a & 25a.