Texas Senate Bill SB1917

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the prevailing wage for work associated with public work contracts; authorizing a penalty.

Impact

The proposed changes outlined in SB 1917 directly amend existing laws related to prevailing wages under Section 2258.023 of the Government Code. The bill includes increased penalties for contractors who fail to comply with wage requirements or who improperly classify workers. Specifically, it establishes a monetary penalty for each worker who is paid below the agreed rate or misclassified, thus encouraging compliance among contractors and protecting workers from wage exploitation in public work contracts.

Summary

Senate Bill 1917 focuses on establishing and enforcing prevailing wage standards for work associated with public contracts in Texas. It mandates that contractors and subcontractors awarded public contracts must pay their workers wages that meet or exceed predetermined rates. The bill aims to ensure fair labor practices by preventing the misclassification of workers as independent contractors to evade proper wage payments. This provision is critical in protecting workers' rights and promoting equitable pay in public sector projects.

Contention

There may be potential points of contention surrounding SB 1917. Critics may argue that imposing penalties and strict wage regulations could increase costs for public contracts, making it more difficult for smaller contractors to compete for such projects. On the other hand, supporters emphasize the bill's essential role in safeguarding labor standards, ensuring that workers receive fair compensation for public work, and ultimately enhancing the quality of public projects through a more stable workforce. The balance between ensuring fair wages and fostering a competitive contracting environment will likely be at the center of deliberations.