An attempt to ban the use of project labor agreements in certain construction projects hit a wall in the Senate May 4, when members overwhelmingly rejected House language that would have put the new limits in place.
Senators voted 25-8 to reject the House amendments to legislation (SB 152) that also blocks public authorities from requiring a certain percentage of architects and workers from the geographic area of the project.
The Senate’s concurrence vote came shortly after the House voted 51-42 to advance the controversial plan following extensive debate.
The bill could now head to a conference committee. What appears more likely, however, is that members will opt to address the residency issue – sans PLA language – through companion legislation (HB 180) advanced by the Senate Government Oversight & Reform committee.
The General Assembly will likely act on residency requirements before summer break.