Members' Edge - May 16, 2019

AGC News

AGC-TBB Bills In Play As House Hits Deadline To Pass State Bills

Last week marked a major deadline in the Texas House, as it was the last chance for its 150 members to pass any state House bills remaining in the chamber.

HB 1734: School Construction Defects - The bill has advanced to the Senate, where it awaits consideration in the Senate Education Committee.

HB 1999: Right to Inspect & Repair - The bill has now moved to the Senate, where it awaits committee assignment.

HB 790: Attorney's Fees in Breach of Contract Claims - The bill has now moved to the Senate, where it awaits committee assignment.

SB 1297: Uniform General Conditions (K-12 contracts) - This bill passed in the Senate last month and was sent the bill to the House Calendars Committee where it awaits a vote by the full House.

HB 2899: Contractors Not Liable for Design Defects on Road Projects - After passing the House, this bill was voted 8-0 out of the Senate Transportation Committee on May 8. The measure has been recommended for Local/Uncontested in the Senate where it awaits a full vote.

Visit http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?m=1119709320910&ca=e5cdc3f6-ef25-46a3-8acc-8ea1cb32464f to view the full article online.

AGC of America Workforce Development Scholarship Applications Due June 1

The Education and Research Foundation offers Workforce Development Scholarships to students enrolled in accredited technical schools or craft training programs in any discipline of commercial construction. Students in technical or approved craft training programs will have until June 1 to apply for $1,000 scholarships (renewal for up to two years).

Visit https://www.agc.org/learn/education-and-research-foundation/scholarship-program?utm_source=informz&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=informz%5Femail&_zs=Vsnnc1&_zl=KuVi5 to view the full article online.

AGC Of America Webinars & Conferences

Construction Safety, Health and Environmental Conference
Tuesday, July 23 - Thursday, July 25
Seattle, Washington

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=561030&issueID=65336 to view the full article online.

Member News

MustangCat Sponsors Earthmoving Equipment Challenge For Top $

Are you ready for a friendly the competition?

MustangCat is looking for the best equipment operator in Southeast Texas! The Top Operator winner will receive a $2,500 cash prize and a paid trip to North Carolina to participate in the Caterpillar North America Regional Final Challenge.

Spectators welcome! May 20 – 22
Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers
15500 Eastex Fwy, Humble, Texas 77396

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/pdf/Operator_Challenge_2019_Registration.pdf to view the full article online.

News you can Use

Contractors Should Prepare For Newly Revived No-Match Letters

The Social Security Administration recently resurrected its practice of issuing Employer Correction Request notices – also known as “no-match letters” – when it receives employee information from an employer that does not match its records.

When receiving such a letter, AGC members should consider the taking following seven steps in conjunction with consulting with their employment counsel.

Visit https://www.agc.org/news/2019/05/13/contractors-should-prepare-newly-revived-no-match-letters to view the full article online.

Trump Administration Adds 30,000 H-2B Seasonal Guestworker Visa

On May 6, 2019, Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Kevin K. McAleenan announced(link is external) that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Labor (DOL) will make an additional 30,000 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas available for Fiscal Year 2019.

Visit https://www.agc.org/news/2019/05/09/trump-administration-adds-30000-h-2b-seasonal-guestworker-visa to view the full article online.

EPA Solicits Comment On Draft Interim Recommendations For Addressing Groundwater Contaminated with PFAS

he U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will accept public comment(link is external) until June 10, 2019, on the agency’s draft interim guidance(link is external) for addressing two per- and polyfluoralkyl substances (PFAS) in groundwater. When finalized, the recommendations will provide a starting point for making site-specific cleanup decisions under federal cleanup programs, including the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).

What is more, EPA anticipates that its guidance will be used by other federal, state and tribal agencies in carrying out “authorized” cleanup programs (e.g., federal facility cleanup programs and approved state Resource Conservation and Recovery Act corrective action programs).

Visit https://www.agc.org/news/2019/04/30/epa-solicits-comment-draft-interim-recommendations-addressing-groundwater to view the full article online.

Membership Benefits

22% Off Monthly Access Fees And More For AGC Houston Members

NPP offers members exclusive savings on a variety of Verizon Wireless services for business. Plus, you can also share Verizon discounts with your employees. Sign up today so your business can start saving with the nation’s largest and most reliable 4G LTE network.

Visit https://mynpp.com/offer/verizon-wireless to view the full article online.

Here's Looking at You

Members Hit Jackpot At CLC Texas Hold’Em Poker Tournament

The annual Construction Leadership Council Poker Tournament draws a large crowd of card sharks and enthusiasts. This year was no different as more than 80 players vied for top prizes and some friendly completion with peers on May 9, 2019.

Congratulations to the players, the final five winners and many thanks to our generous sponsors as well as UH AGC Student Chapter volunteers. This event helps to raise funds for the AGC Houston Education Scholarships.

Winners:

First Place: Terry Buza, Slack & Co. Contracting, Inc.

Second Place: Juan De La Vega, DeWalt Power Tools

Third Place: Keith Haymann, DeWalt Power Tools

Fourth Place: Darrell Gunnells, Empire Steel Erectors, LP

Fifth Place: Craig Kutac, Griesenbeck Architectural Products

Dead- Ass-Last: Patrick Garner, Cokinos l Young

Visit https://www.facebook.com/pg/AGCHoustonChapter/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10156537918074117 to view the full article online.

AGC Members Lead Safety Stand-Down Events Across Houston

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=561131&issueID=65336 to view the full article online.