summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/21/2026
01/21/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Create a new section of KRS Chapter 82 to define "city," "project workforce agreement," and "public construction project"; permit a city to establish a mandatory preference for awarding public construction project contracts to a contractor or group of contractors registered with an apprenticeship and training program; permit cities to negotiate wages that are higher than the state or federal minimum wage as a condition of the project workforce agreement; create a new section of KRS Chapter 337 to define "city," "prevailing wage," "prevailing wage rate," and "public works project"; permit a city to enact prevailing wage ordinances; amend KRS 65.016 to grant local governments the authority to adopt and enforce ordinances that require employers in their jurisdiction to provide leave to employees and set a higher minimum wage than state and federal rates.
AI Summary
This bill allows cities to establish a mandatory preference for awarding contracts for public construction projects, defined as projects over $1 million that are publicly funded and involve public improvements or buildings, to contractors who are part of an apprenticeship and training program through a "project workforce agreement," which is a temporary collective bargaining agreement for that specific project. Cities can also negotiate wages higher than the state or federal minimum wage as part of these project workforce agreements. Additionally, cities are permitted to enact "prevailing wage" ordinances, which would require employers on public works projects costing at least $1 million to pay wages and benefits that reflect the average hourly rate paid to employees in similar trades or occupations within that city. Finally, the bill grants local governments the authority to enact ordinances that mandate employers provide employee leave and set minimum wage rates higher than those established by state or federal law.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
to Local Government (H) (on 01/21/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/26RS/hb344.html |
| BillText | https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/recorddocuments/bill/26RS/hb344/orig_bill.pdf |
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