ABC has identified legislative activity that impacts the membership and is working to represent our positions and to make certain the various initiatives do not add unnecessary regulation or result in requirements that will have an anti-stimulus effect resulting in added challenges to everyone’s goal of improved economic conditions and job growth. The top ABC issues include legislation targeting procurement / design practices, environmental protection / permitting and labor relations.

Procurement legislation includes bills relative to state agency evaluation of contractors, establishing a “best value” procurement system, procedures for competitive bidding practices and bills targeting energy efficiency requirements in new building construction. In an effort to resolve the ongoing issue of school building aid funding provisions, a bill has been introduced that will prevent any school building aid for any project approved on or after June 30, 2010 until June 30, 2012.

Several bills have been introduced that impact regulation and practices at the Department of Environmental Services. Excavating and dredging permits, shoreline protection, the definition and classification of surface waters and the issue of indirect impact relative to wetland assessments in construction permits are all included. The Department’s appeal process, citations and other enforcement procedures are also targeted.

There is less activity impacting workers’ compensation regulations this session, however other labor issues include withholding of wages, wrongful termination and employer notification of violations and pending fines are all included in current legislative initiatives.

Every Monday ABC creates an update of the identified legislation and the current status. The update is sent to Government Relations Committee members. If any member wouldlike to be included on the Monday email of legislative activity please contact thechapter office. Also, as the session moves along and the issues develop you may be contacted and requested for comments and if available to attend a hearing or to contact an elected official to represent the “real” world and the impact of the proposed action. As always, members’ support and participation is greatly appreciated and truly makes a difference.