Public contracts: prevailing wage.

Existing law defines "public works," for purposes of regulating public works contracts, to include, among other things, construction, alteration, demolition, installation, or repair work done under contract and paid for, in whole or in part, out of public funds. Existing law further requires that, except as specified, not less than the general prevailing rate of per diem wages be paid to workers employed on public works and imposes misdemeanor penalties for a violation of this requirement. This bill would expand the definition of "public works," for the purposes of the payment of prevailing wages, to also include any construction, alteration, demolition, installation, or repair work done under public or private contract that satisfies specified conditions related to the construction or maintenance of solar photovoltaic energy generating capacity, as prescribed. Because the violation of prevailing wage requirements would result in the imposition of misdemeanor penalties, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason. This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an urgency statute.