Bill > HB933

This bill amends the Construction Workplace Misclassification Act to strengthen enforcement and penalties related to employee classification in the construction industry. The bill expands the Department of Labor and Industry's investigative powers, allowing the secretary to more comprehensively investigate potential violations, including examining wages, inspecting worksites, copying records, and requiring statements from employers or workers. It increases administrative penalties for violations, doubling the fine amounts from $1,000 to $2,500 for first-time offenses and from $2,500 to $5,000 for subsequent violations. The bill also modifies provisions around stop-work orders, making it easier for the department to issue orders requiring cessation of construction work when employers intentionally misclassify workers. Additionally, the bill changes how penalty funds are distributed, now requiring equal division between various administrative funds and the department for enforcement costs. The bill expands potential liability for general contractors and other parties who contract with employers who misclassify employees, and introduces a mandatory three-year debarment from public contracts for intentional violations. These changes aim to more effectively prevent worker misclassification and protect workers' rights in the construction industry.