Here are some recent actions at the state level that will impact the landscape industry.

Lawsuit Protection
Nevada enacted a new Homeowners' Protection Act that tightens the definition of construction defect, reduces the time a homeowner has to make a claim from 10 years to six, and removes the burden of the losing party having to pay the winner's legal fees.

Florida, Colorado, Washington and Arizona all have legislation in the works to downsize construction-defects laws.

Union Dues
Wisconsin enacted a Right to Work law, which gives workers protection from being forced to join or pay dues to the union that represents their industry sector.

The Missouri Senate is considering two bills passed by the state's House of Representatives that address this right to work without mandatory union representation.

Pay Issues
Indiana's House of Representatives repealed the state's common construction wage law, which lets local communities set contractors' prevailing rate of pay for public works projects. Republican Gov. Mike Pence has said he will sign the bill into law if it reaches his desk.

The Massachusetts Legislature is considering a bill whose sponsors say would help reduce the gender pay gap by prohibiting employers from asking for salary histories, forcing companies to post minimum pay for advertised positions, and allowing current employees to discuss their salaries without reprisal.

A new West Virginia law exempts public construction projects less than $500,000 from being subject to the state's prevailing wage.