Fuel reduction work.

Existing law establishes the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection in the Natural Resources Agency and establishes the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection within the department. Existing law requires the department to administer fire prevention programs and activities and requires the state board to adopt regulations implementing minimum fire safety standards. 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. This bill would, commencing July 1, 2026, require fuel reduction work, done under contract and paid for in whole or in part out of public funds, as specified, to meet several standards, including that all workers performing work within an apprenticeable occupation in the building and construction trades be paid at least the general prevailing rate of per diem wages. The bill would authorize the Labor Commissioner to enforce the requirement to pay prevailing wages. The bill would exempt from these requirements, among other things, contracts in the amount of $500,000 or less.