Bill > S1158

This bill aims to prevent wage theft, promote employer accountability, and enhance public enforcement in Massachusetts. Key provisions include: 1. Expanding the Attorney General's authority to initiate criminal and civil proceedings for wage theft violations, including allowing the Attorney General to file civil actions for injunctive relief, damages, and lost wages on behalf of workers. 2. Establishing joint and several liability for lead contractors, labor contractors, and labor subcontractors for wage theft violations, with certain limitations and opportunities for affirmative defenses. 3. Authorizing the Attorney General to issue stop work orders against employers found to have committed wage theft violations. 4. Creating a "public enforcement action" mechanism where whistleblowers can file lawsuits on behalf of the Attorney General to enforce wage theft protections, with provisions for distribution of any civil penalties or fines recovered. 5. Prohibiting retaliation against workers who report wage theft or cooperate in investigations and enforcement actions. 6. Establishing the Community Outreach and Labor Education Fund to provide grants for worker education and assistance related to enforcing employment rights. The bill aims to strengthen worker protections and empower both public and private enforcement to address wage theft in Massachusetts.