An Act requiring a percentage of workers on a public works project to be hired from the local labor market; imposing duties on the Department of Labor and Industry; and imposing penalties.

Source of recordPennsylvania · palegis.usLast synced Sep 4, 2026

Chamber

Senate

Progress

Where this bill stands in the legislative process.

Introduced
Passed Senate
Passed House
To Governor
Became Law

Overview

This act, titled the Local Hire Act, requires that at least 50% of workers on public works projects in Pennsylvania be hired from the local labor market. It places duties on the Department of Labor and Industry to monitor compliance and enforce the requirement. If an employer cannot meet this threshold, they must notify a PA CareerLink® office and post a job order, and the Department can issue a waiver allowing them to hire outside the local market, with a contribution to the Reemployment Fund if a waiver is granted. The act also mandates record-keeping and establishes penalties for non-compliance.

Key provisions

At least 50% of workers on public works projects must be hired from the local labor market.
Employers unable to meet the local hire requirement must notify the PA CareerLink® office and post a job order.
The Department of Labor and Industry can issue waivers to employers if they cannot meet the local hire requirement.
Employers receiving waivers must contribute to the Reemployment Fund.
Employers must maintain records of worker's primary residence and make them available for inspection.
Penalties are imposed for violations, including daily fines and potential administrative penalties.
Regulations may be promulgated to implement and administer the act.
The act applies to public works projects advertised for bids on or after January 1, 2027.