Bill > S0069

This bill provides employees with enhanced legal protections against wage theft in the construction industry by establishing civil administrative remedies and imposing liability on contractors and subcontractors. Specifically, the bill allows employees to seek unpaid wages, benefits, and other compensation by providing written notice to contractors within 45 days of an alleged wage violation. Contractors will be jointly and severally liable for wage claims by subcontractors, with liability limited to 120 consecutive days of alleged wage theft. The bill defines key terms like "construction," "contractor," and "subcontractor" and outlines that only civil and administrative actions can be used to recover wages. Employees can authorize representatives, including labor organizations, to file wage claims on their behalf. Importantly, the bill prevents contractors and subcontractors from waiving these liability provisions, though collective bargaining agreements with bona fide construction trade labor organizations can potentially modify some provisions. The bill will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will apply to construction contracts entered into, renewed, modified, or amended after that date, providing a clear framework for wage protection in the construction industry.

Labor and Employment

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