03/11/1993 03:00 PM House L&C

  HB 126:  PUBLIC CONSTRUCTION PREVAILING WAGE RATES                           
                                                                               
  Number 507                                                                   
                                                                               
  REP. GAIL PHILLIPS, PRIME SPONSOR OF SSHB 126, read the                      
  sponsor statement for the record.  (This statement is on                     
  file in the committee room until the end of session.)                        
                                                                               
  Number 545                                                                   
                                                                               
  BILL WARD, PART OWNER, WARD LANDSCAPING SERVICE, testified                   
  in support of HB 126.  Mr. Ward raised the concern of why                    
  the 24 month duration was used, as many contracts are for                    
  longer than that.  He proposed that the bill apply to the                    
  duration of the contract or somehow put in language that                     
  would protect the contractor.                                                
                                                                               
  Number 588                                                                   
                                                                               
  JOHN ABSHIRE, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR,                      
  testified in support of this bill.  Mr. Abshire stated that                  
  the department sees this bill as relieving any financial                     
  hardship contractors bear by prevailing wages that are                       
  effective during the term of the contract.                                   
                                                                               
  MR. ABSHIRE noted that one reason for the 24 month provision                 
  is that there is great potential that skilled craftsman will                 
  leave the job to go to another job that pays more money.                     
  This will help keep skilled people working on public                         
  projects.                                                                    
                                                                               
  Number 603                                                                   
                                                                               
  CHAIRMAN HUDSON asked the commissioner about recording                       
  requirements for public contracts is $2,000.  Mr. Hudson                     
  asked if that figure isn't low.                                              
                                                                               
  MR. ABSHIRE explained that the $2,000 figure is patterned                    
  after the Davis Bacon Act.                                                   
                                                                               
  TAPE 93-21, SIDE A                                                           
                                                                               
  Number 000                                                                   
                                                                               
  REP. GREEN moved for passage of HB 126 with individual                       
  recommendations and a zero fiscal note.  No objections were                  
  heard, it was so ordered.