HB344
Log in to followAN ACT relating to local government.
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.
Introduced: January 13, 2026
Last action: January 21, 2026
Plain-language summary
This bill would give Kentucky cities new authority over local labor standards on public construction projects and in their workplaces generally. Cities could require contractors to use registered apprenticeship programs, set wages above the state or federal minimum, pass prevailing wage ordinances for public works projects, and require employers within their borders to provide employee leave. It expands local government power in areas that are currently set at the state or federal level. Who it may affect: construction workers and contractors doing business with cities, workers employed by businesses within city limits, and local government officials setting labor policy.
Legislative History
Primary Sponsor
Co-sponsors (1)
