NEW PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION LAW
[SB 854]
SB 854, a budget trailer bill that was signed into law on June 20, 2014, and became
effective immediately, made several significant changes to laws pertaining to the
administration and enforcement of prevailing wage requirements by the Department of
Industrial Relations (DIR). Among other things, SB 854 established a new public works
contractor registration program to replace prior Compliance Monitoring Unit (CMU) and
Labor Compliance Program (LCP) requirements for bond-funded and other specified
public works projects.
The fees collected through this new program will be used to fund
all of DIR's public works activities, including compliance monitoring and enforcement,
the determination of prevailing wage rates, public works coverage determinations, and
hearing enforcement appeals.
Essentials of public works contractor registration program:
* Contractors will be subject to a registration and annual renewal fee that has been
set initially at $300. The fee is non-refundable and applies to all contractors and
subcontractors who intend to bid or perform work on public works projects (as
defined under the Labor Code).
* Contractors will apply and pay the fee online and must meet minimum
qualifications to be registered as eligible to bid and work on public works
projects:
o Must have workers' compensation coverage for any employees and only
use subcontractors who are registered public works contractors.
o Must have Contractors State License Board license if applicable to trade.
o Must have no delinquent unpaid wage or penalty assessments owed to
any employee or enforcement agency.
o Must not be under federal or state debarment.
o Must not be in prior violation of this registration requirement once it
becomes effective. However, for the first violation in a 12 month period, a
contractor may still qualify for registration by paying an additional penalty.
* The registration fee is not related to any project. It is more like a license that
enables the registrant to bid on and perform public works.
General Prevailing Wage
Trust Contributions for Public Works
Any member company who performs on a Public Works job may make the required Training Trust Contribution to the WBFAA UATC. A $0.15/hour credit for any technician (apprentice; journeyman)
enrolled in the WBFAA UATC may be applied to the hourly contribution rate established for the classification/county in which the work is being performed in. This credit may only be applied by member companies making a training trust contribution to the WBFAA UATC. For more information regarding Training Trust Fund requirements, please visit the DAS Public Works FAQ on the WBFAA UATC website
For the WBFAA Member Company Training Trust Fund Contribution Form contact the WBFAA at [email protected] or call 800-809-0280
Training Funds are due and payable by the 15th of the month after the month the work was performed.
New Apprentice Hires on Public Works Jobs
A technician is not considered an apprentice until his/her DAS 1 (Apprentice Agreement) has been approved by the State of California Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS). In addition, the technician may not be used as an apprentice on Public Works jobs until they have been approved by the DAS. For more information regarding rules and regulations on Public Works jobs contact the WBFAA at 800-809-0280 or email [email protected] You may check the status of a pending apprentice by visiting the DIR/DAS website
Maintaining Contact Information
All apprentices are required to maintain their current home address, cell phone number, and e-mail address with the WBFAA UATC Training Office. Please contact the office at (800) 809-0280 or [email protected] if your contact information changes. |
