Senate Bill 490 aims to establish a prevailing wage law for laborers, workers, mechanics, and truck drivers engaged in public works projects in Wisconsin. The bill mandates that these workers be compensated at the prevailing wage rate, which is defined as the hourly basic rate of pay plus contributions for bona fide economic benefits, based on the majority of hours worked in a specific trade or occupation within the project area. It also sets the prevailing hours of labor at 10 hours per day and 40 hours per week, excluding weekends and holidays. The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) is tasked with determining prevailing wage rates and conducting investigations to ensure compliance. The bill includes provisions for contracts and bid notices to incorporate compliance requirements, and it establishes penalties for contractors who fail to pay the required wages, including liquidated damages equal to 100% of unpaid wages.

Additionally, the bill repeals existing laws related to certain highway projects and modifies various statutes to align with the new prevailing wage requirements. It introduces new definitions and provisions regarding the applicability of the prevailing wage law, including the requirement for local governmental units to apply to the DWD for prevailing wage determinations before soliciting bids for public works projects. The bill also emphasizes the importance of maintaining uniformity in wage rates and hours of labor across the state, thereby preventing local governments from enacting inconsistent ordinances. Overall, Senate Bill 490 seeks to enhance worker protections and ensure fair compensation for those involved in public works projects in Wisconsin.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 66.0129(5), 66.0129, 66.0903(1)(c), 66.0903, 66.0903(1)(f), 66.0903(1)(g), 66.0903(1)(j), 66.0903(1m)(b)