IA HF185

State agencies must consider using project labor agreements (PLAs) for large-scale construction projects costing $25 million or more, including buildings and other vertical public works projects

Agencies may require PLAs on a project-by-project basis when doing so advances the state's interest, considering factors such as potential for labor disruptions, project complexity, urgency, and number of trades involved

PLAs must include guarantees against strikes, lockouts, and job disruptions; binding dispute resolution procedures; and allow all contractors to compete regardless of existing union affiliations

Decisions to require a PLA must be supported by written findings demonstrating how the agreement benefits the state's interest

The bill applies notwithstanding existing Iowa law (section 26.16 and chapter 73A, subchapter III) that prohibits certain prequalification requirements and award conditions for public improvement projects