This bill amends the Community Development Law in Nebraska by redefining key terms and establishing new requirements for redevelopment contracts, particularly in counties with populations of sixty thousand or more. It mandates the employment of laborers, mechanics, and apprentices for construction work under these contracts, ensuring that their wages meet or exceed the prevailing rates set by the United States Secretary of Labor. Additionally, the bill requires that at least fifteen percent of total labor hours for construction projects be performed by qualified apprentices, and any contractor or subcontractor with four or more employees must hire at least one qualified apprentice, with certain exceptions for unfulfilled apprenticeship requests.

The legislation also includes technical amendments to existing definitions and processes related to community redevelopment areas and blighted areas, while repealing original sections of the law to align with the new provisions. It clarifies definitions concerning labor hours and qualified apprentices, specifically excluding roles like foremen and superintendents from labor hour calculations. The bill aims to improve workforce development through increased apprenticeship opportunities in redevelopment projects, thereby enhancing the quality of these projects and supporting fair labor practices in designated areas.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18-2103, 18-2119