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HB 6417

AN ACT INCREASING THE PREVAILING WAGE THRESHOLDS FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATIONS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Weir

Connecticut bill raises the construction project cost thresholds that trigger prevailing wage requirements, reducing wage protections for workers on smaller projects while lowering labor costs for contractors.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Labor and Public Employees
#prevailingwages #publicworkscontracts
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Bill Summary · HB 6417

Legislative bill overview

HB 6417 would increase the dollar thresholds that trigger prevailing wage requirements for new construction and renovation projects in Connecticut. Currently, prevailing wage laws apply to projects above certain cost levels; this bill raises those thresholds, meaning fewer projects would be subject to prevailing wage obligations.

Why is this important

Prevailing wage laws require contractors on covered projects to pay workers union-scale wages, significantly increasing labor costs. Raising thresholds would reduce compliance costs for smaller contractors and project developers, potentially making construction more affordable, but would also reduce prevailing wage protections for workers on affected projects.

Potential points of contention

  • Labor vs. business interests: Union representatives and worker advocates will likely oppose reducing prevailing wage coverage, while construction industry groups may support higher thresholds to reduce costs
  • Project scope definition: Questions remain about whether thresholds apply per-project or per-contractor, and how renovations versus new construction are distinguished
  • Public cost implications: State and municipal construction projects may see reduced labor costs, but potentially lower-quality work or worker turnover if wages become less competitive

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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