This bill amends P.L.2002, c.44 to allow municipalities, counties, school districts, and fire districts to enter into project labor agreements for public works projects that are below the current $5 million cost threshold. The bill maintains the existing threshold for public works projects but provides local units the flexibility to utilize project labor agreements for projects that do not meet this minimum cost requirement.

The bill also clarifies that public entities can include project labor agreements on a project-by-project basis, considering factors such as size, complexity, and cost. It stipulates that if a public entity determines that a project labor agreement will meet specific requirements, they may negotiate directly with labor organizations or condition contract awards on such negotiations. Additionally, the bill ensures that the decision to include a project labor agreement does not unduly restrict competition and allows for the Commissioner of Labor to assist in the negotiation process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 52:38-2, 52:38-3