Texas Senate Bill SB1951

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to wage surveys for the determination of prevailing wage rates for certain contracts for public works.

Impact

The proposed changes in SB1951 significantly affect how prevailing wage rates are established for public works projects, potentially increasing accountability and transparency in wage determinations. The methodology outlined in the bill aims to converge local labor market conditions with state and federal standards, thus helping in aligning compensation with the economic realities of specific areas. By mandating the use of more recent survey data, the bill seeks to mitigate discrepancies between the wages offered for public contracts and the prevailing labor costs in these regions, thereby safeguarding the interests of workers in the construction industry.

Summary

SB1951 aims to amend wage survey procedures for determining prevailing wage rates applicable to public works contracts in Texas. The bill delineates the responsibilities of public bodies in conducting or considering surveys to ascertain local wage rates for various crafts and worker types involved in public works. It emphasizes the importance of utilizing recent data by stipulating that surveys must be conducted within a three-year period prior to the bidding process for public work contracts. This directive is aimed at ensuring that wage rates reflect current economic conditions and labor market trends within the locality where the work is performed.

Contention

However, the alterations presented in SB1951 could spawn debate regarding the implementation of wage surveys and the determination of prevailing wages. Proponents argue that the new requirements foster fair competition and protect taxpayer interests by ensuring that public contracts do not undercut the local wage structure. Critics, however, might express concern that the bill could complicate and elongate the bidding process for public contracts, potentially deterring contractors from bidding on smaller projects due to the administrative burden of complying with the new survey requirements. Additionally, they might argue that certain regions with varying labor market conditions could face challenges in attracting contractors willing to operate under these mandated wage determinations.