Summary of Bill S 2536

Bill Information

• Bill Number: S 2536
• Title: Relates to the inclusion of certain off-site custom fabrication as public work for the purposes of payment of prevailing wage
• Status: Returned to Senate
• Introduced: January 21, 2025
• Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 2536 aims to clarify and expand the definition of public work to include certain off-site custom fabrication activities. The primary intent is to ensure that workers engaged in these fabrication processes receive prevailing wages, which are typically higher than standard wages, thereby promoting fair compensation in the construction and manufacturing sectors.

Key Provisions

• Inclusion of Off-Site Fabrication: The bill specifically includes off-site custom fabrication as a type of public work. This means that any custom fabrication work done away from the primary construction site will be subject to prevailing wage laws.
• Prevailing Wage Requirements: Workers involved in these off-site fabrication activities will be entitled to the same prevailing wage protections as those working directly on-site for public works projects.
• Regulatory Framework: The bill outlines the criteria and conditions under which off-site fabrication will be classified as public work, ensuring compliance with existing labor laws.

Affected Parties

• Workers: The bill directly benefits workers involved in off-site custom fabrication by ensuring they receive fair wages comparable to their on-site counterparts.
• Employers: Companies engaged in public works projects that involve off-site fabrication will need to adjust their payroll practices to comply with the prevailing wage requirements.
• Government Agencies: Agencies overseeing public works projects will need to implement and enforce the new regulations regarding off-site fabrication.

Legislative Actions and Timeline

• January 21, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Labor Committee.
• June 9, 2025: The bill was amended and recommitted to the Labor Committee.
• June 12, 2025: The bill was discharged from committee and committed to Rules.
• June 13, 2025: Passed in the Senate and delivered to the Assembly.
• June 17, 2025: Substituted for A2747A, passed in the Assembly, and returned to the Senate.

Related Bills

• S 8963: A related bill from a prior session that may address similar issues.
• S 5475: Another related bill from a prior session.
• A 2747: A companion bill that aligns with the objectives of S 2536.

Conclusion

Bill S 2536 represents a significant step towards ensuring equitable wages for workers involved in off-site custom fabrication related to public works. By extending prevailing wage protections to these workers, the bill aims to enhance labor standards and promote fair compensation practices in the construction industry. The bill is currently returned to the Senate for further consideration following its passage in the Assembly.