HB 320 Summary

• Modifies the definition of "prevailing hourly rate of wages" to use the average rate of wages paid generally in the locality, removing the requirement to consider collective bargaining agreements as the primary basis for determination.

• Establishes a fallback mechanism for wage determination: if the department cannot determine prevailing wages through surveys, it shall use the median hourly wage from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for the most closely resembling construction occupational code, or the general construction code 47-0000 if no specific match exists.

• Changes the penalty and dispute process by allowing employers 45 days to dispute a violation notice through arbitration, and prohibiting monetary penalties if back wages are paid prior to enforcement action being filed.

• Removes mandatory signage requirements for contractor vehicles and equipment on public works projects under $250,000 and eliminates the requirement to affix company names and locations on equipment.

• Reduces the criminal penalty for willful violations from a fine up to $500 with possible imprisonment of up to six months to a fine not exceeding $500 only.