Private contracts would not exempt covered public work from wage rules

Businesses doing covered public work would follow the wage law despite private contracts, leases, or public-private partnerships. Covered projects include contracted construction or repairs paid for with public money and certain work on publicly owned or leased property. For property-based coverage, public ownership or the required lease arrangement must exist when the contract is made. A public lease or planned lease must cover at least 55% of the property and more than 20,000 square feet. The publicly funded work definition excludes work arranged by and at state institutions mainly to teach inmates job skills. The coverage clarification would take effect on the 90th day after enactment.