House Bill 1198 Summary

• Narrows the definition of "construction" to include only new construction and major alterations, removing references to reconstruction, improvement, painting, decorating, and general repairs.

• Adds a new definition of "major alteration" as alterations exceeding 400 square feet performed by contractors other than public body employees, including road and bridge-related work.

• Expands the definition of "maintenance work" to explicitly include painting, repainting, and restoration activities that do not change the size, type, or extent of existing facilities.

• Declares legislative intent to overturn the holding in Utility Service Co., Inc. v. the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (2011) regarding prevailing wage requirements.

• Enacts emergency clause to take effect immediately upon passage and approval due to uncertainty in prevailing wage law delaying public works projects.