Bill would define wage rule exemptions for some construction projects

The proposed text describes when certain privately owned housing projects would be outside public construction wage rules. The provision covers privately owned housing projects, including some projects on public land leased for at least 50 years and some involving a housing authority that is not the majority owner. At least 60 percent of the homes must meet the affordability limits that apply to the project. Projects must meet the applicable ownership, housing, and construction requirements; some income limits vary with public funding and location. The amendments would apply to procurements advertised or solicited, or certain contracts entered into, on or after January 1, 2027.

The proposed text describes when public construction wage rules would not apply to certain projects. These provisions concern projects in Oregon, including certain privately owned projects and projects receiving no public-agency funds. The provision covers privately owned projects using private funds when public agencies use less than 25 percent of the completed space and less than $750,000 in public funds. For the separate no-public-funds exemption, no public-agency funds may be used. The text also lists contract-price limits that vary by county. The amendments would apply to procurements advertised or solicited, or certain contracts entered into, on or after January 1, 2027.