RCRC-Opposed Prevailing Wage Bill for Forestry Projects Clears First Committee

On Wednesday, March 16th, Assembly Bill 1717, authored by Assembly Member Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Davis), passed its first committee after being introduced in February. The RCRC-opposed measure passed the Assembly Labor and Employment Committee by a 6-0 vote with 1 abstention; the bill would change the definition of public works to include fuels treatment projects and thus requiring payment of prevailing wage. 

While RCRC is a vocal supporter of developing a robust forest resilience workforce, AB 1717 would artificially raise the costs of vital wildfire mitigation projects funded by state and federal dollars and slowing the pace of crucial efforts to reduce fuels around communities and critical infrastructure. The bill would be most damaging to socioeconomically disadvantaged counties that annually suffer damaging wildfires and depend on maximizing public funds to help safeguard their residents.  

AB 1717 will now be sent to the Assembly Appropriations Committee for fiscal consideration. Read RCRC’s letter of opposition here. For more information, contact RCRC Senior Policy Advocate, Staci Heaton.