UT HB0245

Requires contractors on public construction projects of $100,000 or more to pay qualifying employees (laborers and mechanics working directly on-site) at least the "wage standard" - defined as the median hourly wage plus benefits for each county and occupation, which cannot be less than federal Davis-Bacon wage rates.

Directs the Utah Labor Commission to determine, maintain, publish, and review wage standards at least annually and within 60 days of any federal Davis-Bacon wage guide changes.

Allows apprentices in federally-approved training programs to be paid according to their program's wage guidelines, but no less than 50% of the wage standard.

Establishes penalties including class B misdemeanor charges for violations, fines equal to the wage difference owed, and civil action rights for employees to recover unpaid wages plus interest within two years of project completion.

Requires contractors to maintain payroll records (employee names, hours worked, wages paid by occupation) for at least three years after contract completion, and procurement units must include wage standards in bid invitations; effective May 6, 2026.