Bill > HB1058

This bill amends the Prevailing Wage Act to modify how penalties are handled when contractors or subcontractors fail to pay workers the legally mandated prevailing wage rates on public works projects. Specifically, the bill requires that all penalties imposed under the Act be remitted to the Department of Labor and used for the administration and enforcement of the Act. The existing law already provides significant penalties for wage violations, including allowing workers to sue for wage differences, with contractors potentially facing 20% liability for underpayments on first offenses and 50% liability for subsequent violations. Workers can also recover costs, attorney's fees, and punitive damages. The bill reinforces the state's commitment to ensuring fair wages on public works projects by directing penalty funds back into the enforcement mechanism of the Prevailing Wage Act, which helps protect workers' rights and ensures that public construction projects adhere to established wage standards. This approach aims to create a stronger deterrent against wage violations and provide more resources for monitoring and enforcing wage requirements.

Business and Industry

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1058&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104