Texas House Bill HB2796

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the use of certain data collected by the Texas Workforce Commission to determine general prevailing wage rates for certain public work contracts.

Impact

If enacted, HB2796 would impact how local governments assess and set prevailing wages for public works contracts, potentially leading to more tailored compensation structures that reflect actual conditions in their respective metropolitan statistical areas. This could enhance the fairness of wage determination, which is particularly relevant in areas where labor data was previously insufficient. The bill emphasizes the growing role of the Texas Workforce Commission in providing crucial labor market statistics and supporting evidence for wage standards in public contracts.

Summary

House Bill 2796 aims to amend the Government Code concerning the determination of the general prevailing wage rates for public work contracts awarded by political subdivisions in Texas. The bill specifically allows the use of data collected by the Texas Workforce Commission to inform these wage rates, particularly when the existing wage data is inadequate for local workforce areas. This amendment is intended to provide a more accurate reflection of local wage conditions and improve the appropriateness of compensation for workers engaged in public works.

Contention

Notable points of contention that may arise around HB2796 include debates over the adequacy and accuracy of the data provided by the Texas Workforce Commission. Critics might argue that relying more heavily on such data could overlook localized economic factors or lead to disparities in wage settings across areas. Additionally, there could be concerns regarding the increased administrative burden associated with utilizing new data sources, particularly for smaller political subdivisions. Proponents, on the other hand, will likely highlight the bill's potential to create more equitable wages in public works and better align with current labor market realities.