Public works: definition.

Existing law requires that, except as specified, not less than the general prevailing rate of per diem wages, determined by the Director of Industrial Relations, be paid to workers employed on public works projects. Existing law defines the term "public works" for purposes of requirements regarding the payment of prevailing wages to include construction, alteration, demolition, installation, or repair work done under contract and paid for using public funds, except as specified. Existing law makes a willful violation of laws relating to the payment of prevailing wages on public works a misdemeanor. This bill would, commencing January 1, 2024, expand the definition of "public works" to include fuel reduction work done under contract and paid for in whole or in part out of public funds performed as part of a fire mitigation project, as specified. The bill would limit those provisions to work that falls within an apprenticable occupation in the building and construction trades for which an apprenticeship program has been approved and to contracts in excess of $100,000. The bill would delay the application of those provisions until January 1, 2025, for nonprofits. By expanding the scope of a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. This bill would incorporate additional changes to Section 1720 of the Labor Code proposed by AB 1886 to be operative only if this bill and AB 1886 are enacted and this bill is enacted last. 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.