In a victory for merit shop construction and free enterprise, Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam (R) April 30 signed into law a bill (S.B. 1209) that repeals prevailing wage requirements on all vertical construction projects in the state. 

“This law represents one of the most significant state-level prevailing wage reforms since the 2010 elections and we are pleased it has been enacted,” said Ryan Peebles, president of the ABC Mid-Tennessee Chapter. “It helps ensure taxpayers get the best construction at the best price on public construction projects and shows Tennessee’s commitment to protecting a free enterprise environment in the state.”

Beginning on Jan. 1, 2014, only horizontal construction projects, such as highway construction, will be subject to prevailing wage requirements.