This bill aims to ensure that wages for laborers, workers, and mechanics involved in public works contracts are set at the prevailing rate of wage at the time the work is performed. It introduces a new section that emphasizes the importance of fair labor standards and mandates that wages be adjusted annually based on the latest prevailing wage rates published by the Department of Labor and Industries. The bill amends RCW 39.12.030 to require that contracts for public works include a stipulation that the hourly minimum wage for workers must be adjusted accordingly, with exceptions for certain residential construction projects.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that if a contract initially specifies residential construction rates but the work is later determined to be commercial, the contracting agency must compensate for the difference between the residential and commercial rates. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 39.12.030
Substitute Bill: 39.12.030
Second Substitute: 39.12.030
Engrossed Second Substitute: 39.12.030