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H 2162

An Act relative to compliance with the prevailing wage laws of the Commonwealth

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jim Arciero and 73 co-sponsors

Extends prevailing wage and weekly payroll rules to offsite fabrication for public works, ensuring fabrication sites, workers, and suppliers meet wage and reporting standards.

Reporting date extended to Wednesday, March 18, 2026
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Bill Summary · H 2162

Summary of House Bill H 2162

An Act relative to compliance with the prevailing wage laws of the Commonwealth (Offsite fabrication)

Overview

  • Bill: H 2162
  • Title: An Act relative to compliance with the prevailing wage laws of the Commonwealth
  • Purpose: Extend prevailing wage requirements to offsite fabrication activities for public works and tighten wage-recordkeeping related to such fabrication.
  • Status: Hearing scheduled for October 28, 2025 (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Room A-1)
  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Primary sponsor: Representative Jeffrey N. Roy
  • Related matter: Similar filing in prior session (House No. 1943, 2023-2024)

Purpose and Context

The bill seeks to ensure that workers involved in offsite fabrication for public works projects are paid prevailing wages and that the wage-recordkeeping requirements associated with such projects apply to offsite fabrication activities as well. It clarifies that offsite fabrication falls within the scope of construction for the purposes of prevailing wage enforcement and payroll reporting.

Key Provisions

Section 1 – Definition and Scope

  • Adds “offsite fabrication” to the scope of construction under Section 27D of Chapter 149.
  • Requires the prevailing wage to be paid for offsite fabrication work on projects covered by this section.
  • Applies the wage and reporting requirements of Section 27B (e.g., weekly certified payroll records with penalties under Section 27C) to offsite fabrication work.
  • Defines offsite fabrication as:
    • Products or items produced specifically for a qualified project,
    • Considered non-standard items,
    • Produced at an offsite location (e.g., fabricated pipe, piping materials, fixtures, electrical wiring, sheet metal, modular units).
  • Clarifies that this definition does not limit other provisions (e.g., Section 26) or procurement preferences for local offsite fabrication.

Section 2 – Payroll Recordkeeping

  • Amends Section 27B of Chapter 149 to require, for any offsite fabrication work subject to the section:
    • A line in weekly certified prevailing wage records listing the manufacturer/shop location where fabrication occurred.
    • The name, address, and occupational classifications of each worker employed in the fabrication, along with hours worked and wages paid.

Section 3 – Effective Date

  • The act takes effect upon passage.

Who is Affected

  • Contractors, subcontractors, and public bodies performing construction on public works that involve offsite fabrication.
  • Offsite fabrication shops and facilities that supply fabricated components.
  • Workers engaged in offsite fabrication (e.g., mechanics, apprentices, laborers).

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced and referred to the Committee on Labor and Workforce Development on February 27, 2025.
  • Hearing scheduled for October 28, 2025 (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, in A-1).
  • The act is described as taking effect upon passage, implying immediate applicability after enactment.

Potential Impacts and Implications

  • Enhances wage protections for workers involved in offsite fabrication by ensuring prevailing wage coverage.
  • Increases transparency and traceability of fabrication labor through enhanced payroll reporting.
  • May affect project budgeting and procurement practices due to updated compliance and reporting requirements.
  • Could influence the selection of fabrication locations or suppliers based on wage compliance considerations.

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

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