US Federal House Bill HB4148

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/25/25
• Refer: 6/25/25

Caption

To provide that the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to "Updating the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts Regulation" shall have no force or effect.

Impact

If enacted, HB4148 would effectively invalidate the Department of Labor's recent effort to update wage standards and compliance mechanisms under the Davis-Bacon Act. Supporters of the bill argue that these updates may impose additional burdens on contractors and disrupt established labor practices that have benefited both workers and employers. The bill thus represents a significant intervention in labor regulation, affecting how wages are calculated and enforced in federally funded construction

Summary

House Bill 4148 seeks to nullify a regulation proposed by the Department of Labor concerning updates to the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts. This bill reflects a legislative push to maintain or revert existing regulatory standards regarding wages and labor practices in federally funded construction projects. The Davis-Bacon Act historically mandates that workers on such projects are paid prevailing wage rates, which are often higher than minimum wage levels, ensuring fair compensation in the sector.

Contention

The proposed bill has sparked discussions among legislators and labor advocates, some of whom argue that the updates are necessary to reflect the current economic landscape and ensure that workers are adequately compensated in light of rising living costs. Opponents of HB4148 contend that dismissing these updates undermines protections for laborers and could lead to wage stagnation in the construction industry, ultimately harming those employees who depend on fair wage regulations.