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H 2148

An Act relative to a public health prevailing wage exemption

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Joe McKenna

Exempts health care facility and other public health construction from MA prevailing wage rules, via Public Health Commissioner designation, lowering project labor costs.

Accompanied a study order, see H5362
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Bill Summary · H 2148

Summary of H.2148: An Act relative to a public health prevailing wage exemption

Overview

H.2148, titled “An Act relative to a public health prevailing wage exemption,” seeks to exempt certain public health construction projects from Massachusetts’ prevailing wage requirements. The bill was introduced on February 27, 2025 (House Docket No. 2343) by Rep. Joseph D. McKenna (18th Worcester) and is being considered by the Labor and Workforce Development Committee. A hearing is scheduled for November 17, 2025.

Purpose and intent

  • The bill aims to reduce or modify labor cost requirements on select public health construction projects by removing them from the state’s prevailing wage framework.
  • The stated focus is on projects related to health care facilities and other public health initiatives, with authority for expansion or specification provided to the Commissioner of Public Health.

Key provisions

  • Inserted new Section 27I into Chapter 149 of the General Laws (after §27H).
  • Material change: “Wages paid for work performed on the construction of a health care facility, as defined in §25B of Chapter 111, or other public health projects, as deemed by the Commissioner of Public Health, shall not be subject to the provisions of §§26–27C of Chapter 149.”
  • Definitions:
    • Health care facility defined by Section 25B of Chapter 111.
    • The Commissioner of Public Health has discretionary authority to deem other public health projects eligible for the exemption.

Scope and who is affected

  • Projects affected: Construction of health care facilities and other public health projects designated by the Commissioner of Public Health.
  • Stakeholders affected: Contractors, subcontractors, and workers on these projects who would no longer be governed by Massachusetts’ prevailing wage requirements for these specific projects. Public health agencies and project sponsors may experience changes in labor cost calculations and procurement dynamics.

Procedural and timeline details

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Referral: Referred to the House Committee on Labor and Workforce Development.
  • Legislative actions indicate a hearing is scheduled for November 17, 2025 in Room B-1 (with multiple prior updates to the date/time and format).

Related information

  • Related bill: HD 2343 (noted as a replacement or related version).
  • The bill seeks to create a narrow exemption, contingent on definitions and determinations by the Commissioner of Public Health.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Fiscal impact: Potential reduction in labor costs on exempted projects; may affect bids, project budgets, and financing.
  • Labor and workforce: Changes to wage requirements could influence wage levels, benefits, and recruitment for exempted projects.
  • Public health policy: Expands administrator discretion over which projects fall under prevailing wage exemptions, potentially affecting transparency and uniformity.

Note: This summary reflects the text and procedural notes available. Readers should monitor hearings for amendments or changes to scope and definitions.

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

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