The bill aims to enhance labor standards for workers on public works contracts in Washington State by ensuring that wages are adjusted to reflect the prevailing rate at the time the work is performed. It introduces a new section that emphasizes the importance of fair labor standards, highlighting that prevailing wage laws serve as the minimum wage for public works projects. The bill mandates that contracts for public works must stipulate that the hourly minimum wage for laborers, workers, or mechanics will be adjusted as necessary to align with the latest prevailing wage rates published by the Department of Labor and Industries.

Additionally, the bill amends RCW 39.12.030 to clarify that contracts must include a provision stating the minimum wage, which cannot be less than the prevailing rate. It also specifies that if a contract initially states residential construction rates but the work is later determined to be commercial, the contracting agency must pay the difference between the two rates. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 39.12.030