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HB 5099

AN ACT LOWERING THE PREVAILING WAGE TOTAL COST THRESHOLD FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Christopher Rosario

Connecticut bill reduces the dollar threshold triggering prevailing wage requirements on new construction, expanding mandatory higher wages to more projects statewide.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Labor and Public Employees
#buildingconstruction #prevailingwages #publicworkscontracts
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Bill Summary · HB 5099

Legislative bill overview

HB 5099 lowers the threshold at which prevailing wage requirements apply to new construction projects in Connecticut. Currently, prevailing wage laws typically apply to public works projects above a certain cost threshold; this bill reduces that threshold amount, meaning more construction projects would be subject to prevailing wage requirements.

Why is this important

Prevailing wage laws require contractors to pay workers at rates determined by the Department of Labor, typically significantly higher than market wages. Lowering the threshold would expand these requirements to smaller projects, affecting labor costs for both public and private construction, potentially impacting project affordability, contractor competitiveness, and worker compensation across the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: Contractors argue lower thresholds increase project costs and could price out smaller companies; supporters counter that prevailing wages ensure workers earn livable incomes and reduce worker exploitation
  • Project scope and fairness: Disagreement over whether smaller projects should bear the same wage requirements as large public works, and whether this creates unequal competitive burdens
  • Economic impact: Debate over whether higher labor costs reduce construction activity and job growth versus whether they strengthen the construction workforce and local economy through increased worker spending power

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

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