The document provides an overview of state legislative activities in 2009 related to issues that affect the construction industry. Some key points:
- State budgets faced large deficits as revenues declined, which will dominate 2010 legislative sessions.
- 38 states considered legislation related to the proposed Employee Free Choice Act. Five states and two chambers passed measures opposing it.
- Only three states passed bills on hiring undocumented workers, with most states less active on immigration in 2009.
- 36 states examined independent contractor classifications and their tax implications. Several tightened requirements.
- Organized labor pushed to expand prevailing wage laws but were blocked in Iowa and Colorado. New Mexico tied rates to union contracts.
- 16 states debated project labor agreement issues, with