Project labor agreement bills and “physician employee” bill receive initial approval

SB 182, which modifies provisions of law relating to project labor agreements and is sponsored by Senator Bob Onder, has received approval and will move on to the House. HB 126, sponsored by Representative Rob Vescovo, is substantially similar to this bill. HB 126 was passed by the House and now moves on to the Senate.

Current law prohibits the state, or any agency or instrumentality of the state, from requiring, or prohibiting, bidders from entering into agreements with labor organizations when entering into contracts for the construction of public projects funded by more than 50% by the state. This act removes the 50% funding threshold and further prohibits the state, any agency, or political subdivision, or instrumentality of the state from requiring, or prohibiting, bidders from entering into agreements with labor organizations when entering into contracts for the construction, repair, remodeling, or demolition of a facility.

Also, SB 237, which modifies definitions of “employee” and “physician employee” in actions against health care providers for personal injury or death and is sponsored by Senator Caleb Rowden, received approval by the Senate and will move on to the House.