Oregon HB 2688 Passage Statement
Today, Governor Tina Kotek of Oregon signed HB 2688 into law. This disastrous legislation, which narrowly passed out of the legislature despite bipartisan opposition, will require Oregon-based modular manufacturers working on public projects to pay prevailing wages. Paying on-site construction wages for distinctly different factory work conducted under fundamentally different circumstances and conditions threatens to devastate the modular industry.
The modular industry was left out of the legislative process and our industry experts were never consulted by policymakers. Meanwhile lies, misinformation, and misconceptions about our industry were used to justify this legislation.
There is no doubt HB 2688 will raise costs on desperately needed public works projects like educational, medical, and recreational facilities. Sadly, Oregon businesses, employees, and all taxpayers will bear this burden.
From unclear definitions to provisions that promise mountains of bureaucratic red tape under threat of aggressive enforcement, HB 2688 will impede the modular industry’s ability to build for Oregon.
Our attention now turns to working with Oregon’s Bureau of Labor and Industry during the impending rulemaking process in hopes of preserving the work our industry can do in Oregon.
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