Legislative Update

llinois Prevailing Wage Act Changes – Effective July 1, 2026

Dear Signatory Contractors,

Effective July 1, 2026, amendments to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act (the “Act”) require contractors to make fringe benefit plan contributions on behalf of apprentices performing prevailing wage work covered by the Act at the applicable full journeymen benefit rate. To comply with these requirements, SMACNA Greater Chicago (the “Association”) has entered into agreements with both SMART Local 73 and SMART Local 265 providing that, for apprentice hours worked on Illinois prevailing wage projects, the difference between the applicable apprentice fringe benefit contribution rate and the applicable journeyman fringe benefit contribution rate will be added to the fringe benefit contributions made on behalf of apprentices.

Below are the reporting instructions from the SMART Local 73 and SMART Local 265 Fund Offices explaining how to report apprentice hours worked on Illinois prevailing wage projects so that the additional required contributions can be properly calculated and remitted to the Funds.

Local 73 Reporting Procedures >>

Local 265 Reporting Procedures >>

Please note that each contractor remains solely responsible for complying with the Act, including its prevailing wage, fringe benefit, payroll, and recordkeeping requirements. This notice is intended only to explain the reporting procedures applicable to contributions made to the Funds and should not be construed as legal advice regarding a contractor's compliance obligations.

If you have any questions regarding the reporting procedures or contributions, please contact the Association office at (708) 544-7007. For legal or compliance questions, contractors should consult their own counsel.

Thank you.