Public works: prevailing wage.

Existing law defines the term "public works" for the purposes of requirements regarding the payment of prevailing wages, the regulation of working hours, and the securing of workers' compensation for public works projects. Existing law requires an entity awarding a public works contract, as specified, to provide notice to the Department of Industrial Relations. Existing law requires civil penalties to be imposed on an entity that fails to provide that required notice and authorizes the Labor Commissioner to issue a citation for civil penalties to an entity that fails to provide the required notice. This bill would additionally require the awarding body to provide notice to the department, within 30 days, if there is a change in the identity of a contractor or subcontractor performing the project or, if the total amount of the contract change exceeds specified thresholds. The bill would exempt projects of awarding bodies operating labor compliance programs that are approved and monitored by the department and covered by a valid project labor agreement. By creating new notification requirements for public agencies, 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, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.