Texas Senate Bill SB2400

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to a prevailing wage survey conducted under an interlocal agreement between two or more political subdivisions of the state.

Impact

The passage of SB2400 will have significant implications for how local governments interact and manage labor costs associated with public projects. By permitting interlocal agreements for conducting prevailing wage surveys, the bill aims to standardize wage rates across subdivisions, potentially leading to fairer labor compensation practices in the region. This collaborative effort also encourages efficiency and consistency in wage determinations, streamlining the process for setting appropriate remuneration for workers.

Summary

SB2400, introduced in the Texas Legislature, addresses the conduct of prevailing wage surveys under interlocal agreements between political subdivisions within the same county. The bill amends Section 2258.022 of the Government Code to explicitly allow two or more political subdivisions to collaborate on these surveys. It requires that the wage surveys be conducted at least once every three years, providing a structured approach for local municipalities to assess and adjust prevailing wage rates for workers employed in public works projects.

Contention

One of the notable points of contention surrounding SB2400 is the potential administrative burden placed on smaller political subdivisions, which may lack the resources to effectively conduct these surveys every three years. Critics argue that the mandate for regular surveys could strain local budgets and divert funds from other essential services. Additionally, the bill raises questions about the reliability and applicability of the survey results, especially if disparities exist in labor markets across different areas of the state.