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SB 2229

Salaries and Benefits - As introduced, expresses the public policy that the prevailing wage rate be paid to workers on non-state contracts for construction projects on public highways; makes other revisions to the Prevailing Wage Act for State Highway Construction Projects. - Amends TCA Title 12, Chapter 4, Part 4.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

SB 2229 mandates prevailing wage rates for workers on non-state highway construction contracts in Tennessee, expanding wage protections beyond state-funded projects.

Placed on Senate Consent Calendar 2 for 4/22/2026
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Bill Summary · SB 2229

Legislative bill overview

SB 2229 establishes a public policy requiring prevailing wage rates be paid to workers on non-state contracts for construction projects on public highways in Tennessee. The bill modifies the existing Prevailing Wage Act specifically for state highway construction projects, expanding wage protections beyond state-funded work to include privately-contracted highway construction.

Why is this important

Prevailing wage requirements significantly affect labor costs on construction projects, influencing both project budgets and worker compensation. This expansion could impact highway construction bidding, project timelines, and the wages available to workers in the construction industry, while also affecting taxpayer costs if public funding is involved in these projects.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost impact: Prevailing wage requirements typically increase labor costs on projects, potentially raising bid prices for highway construction and affecting project budgets or timelines
  • Labor market effects: Supporters argue it protects workers from wage undercutting; critics contend it may reduce job availability for lower-wage workers or limit contractor competition
  • Scope of "non-state contracts": The definition of which non-state contracts qualify for this requirement could be ambiguous, creating compliance challenges and potential disputes about applicability

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

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