BILL NUMBER: S1672B
SPONSOR: MARTINEZ
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to certain construction
projects
 
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this bill is to ensure school-related construction
projects incorporate fair labor practices and pay a living wage.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1. Subdivision 1 of section 3602 of the education law is amended
by adding a new paragraph nn which defines the term construction
project.
Section 2. Paragraph a of subdivision 6 of section 3602 of the education
law is amended by adding a new subparagraph 13 which requires the use of
a project labor agreement for each contract involving the awarding of a
construction project with an estimated cost of $1 million or more, and
provides construction projects undertaken pursuant to this subdivision
shall not be subject to the requirements of separate specifications of
section 101 of the general municipal law.
Section 3. Establishes the enacting clause.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Project labor agreements (PLAs) are shown to be an effective tool in
ensuring safe and efficient construction projects in New York State.
PLAs establish the terms and conditions for a particular construction
project and within the provisions of an agreement wages and work sched-
ules are a part of those provisions. A 2009 Cornell University study
found PLAs contributed to cost savings and fewer delays in projects.
Additionally, PLAs generally foster safer working environments by
enforcing strong worksite labor standards.
This legislation would require the adoption of PLAs on educational
construction projects. These types of projects are particularly prone to
delays, strikes, and cost inefficiencies. The use of PLAs will ensure
taxpayer dollars are used effectively and aren't overspent throughout
educational institutions' construction projects.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This law shall take effectJanuary 1, 2026, and shall apply to all
construction projects bid on or after such effective date.

Statutes affected:
S1672: 3602 education law, 3602(1) education law, 3602(6) education law
S1672A: 3602 education law, 3602(1) education law, 3602(6) education law