FIND A CONTRACTOR BUYER'S GUIDE
BECOME AN INDUSTRY PARTNER
MCAA Logo
MEMBER LOGIN JOIN
NEWS
Join Us For The 75th Anniversary Midyear Meeting Sep 7-11 ↗

Construction subcontractors celebrate new laws in Texas

Words: Marc AdelmanConstruction subcontractors are celebrating new laws in Texas that will allow them to enforce government contracts, penalize competitors that get an unfair advantage by misclassifying employees as independent contractors, prohibit bid shopping by government entities, and create a pathway to careers in the construction industry.

“The legislation recently signed into law will improve the business environment for construction subcontractors and make the construction process more efficient and potentially less costly,” said 2012-13 American Subcontractors Association President Walter Bazan Jr., Bazan Painting Company, St. Louis, Mo.

On June 14, Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) signed into law three bills:
  • HB 586 waives the state’s sovereign immunity in construction contract disputes, allowing certain design and construction companies to sue state agencies for breach of contract.
  • HB 2015 amends the Labor Code, requiring that employers ensure that workers performing under government contracts are properly classified as an employee or independent contractor.
  • HB 1050 prohibits bid shopping after a government entity has made a selection and changes design-build requirements. The new law also restricts a local government entity from entering a contract in an amount greater than $50,000 “to purchase construction-related goods or services through a purchasing cooperative” under certain circumstances.
On June 10, Gov. Perry also signed into law HB 5, which creates increased opportunities for high school students to pursue vocational education. “This law takes a huge step toward addressing our state’s shortage of skilled workers by giving young people a pathway to lucrative careers in construction trades construction, including welding, logistics, automotive technology, agricultural science, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning,” said ASA of Texas President Mackie Bounds, Brazos Masonry Inc., Waco, Texas.

All of the new laws will take effect on Sept. 1, 2013, except HB 2015, the worker classification act, which will take effect on Jan. 1, 2014.
About: Legislative
 0
High-Performance Masonry Units: Elevating Structural Integrity and Aesthetics
September 2025

Manufactured concrete masonry units have been present in the construction marketplace for over 120 years. They are ubiquitous and are made in virtually every country on earth. The development of high-performance masonry units currently available across th

Peter Roberts
Technical Talks
Read More
Building Tomorrow, Digitally: How Tech is Revolutionizing Masonry
September 2025

The rhythmic tap of the trowel, the satisfying click of brick on mortar – masonry, in its essence, is a craft steeped in tradition. For centuries, it has shaped our skylines, built our homes, and stood as a testament to human ingenuity and skill. But just

Erin Koets
MAP Partner
Read More
MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 28 Recap: Kendall Anderegg, President and CEO at Mutual Materials Company
September 2025

Kendall Anderg's journey in the masonry industry is a remarkable tale of legacy, innovation, and community impact. Hailing from the Pacific Northwest, Kendall's family business has been a staple in the industry since its founding in 1900. Now celebrating

Justin Stengel
The MASONRY STRONG Podcast
Read More
Ensuring Safety in Scaffold Access and Transference
September 2025

One of the most relevant issues currently affecting the industry is scaffold plans and safety. You are probably aware of new scaffold regulations required by general contractors and owners. IT IS VITAL THAT YOU ARE AWARE OF THESE REQUIREMENTS WHEN BIDDING

Clint Bridges
MAP Partner
Read More