Bill > LD1587

This bill establishes new procedures for the Bureau of Labor Standards (BLS) in Maine to investigate potential violations of labor laws, specifically those found in chapters 7 and 15 of Title 26 of the Maine Revised Statutes (MRSA). The Director of the BLS is granted the authority to conduct investigations, which can include examining relevant business records, requiring testimony from individuals, and issuing subpoenas, a formal written order to compel someone to appear or produce evidence, to gather information. These subpoenas can be served in person, at a business's principal location, or by registered or certified mail. If a violation is found, the Director can issue a notice of violation and impose penalties, including fines and orders for correction of ongoing issues, with additional daily penalties for non-compliance. The bill also outlines a process for the BLS to collect unpaid wages, damages, interest, or penalties by issuing a "notice of levy" to a third party holding assets of a delinquent employer, similar to a wage garnishment. Finally, it mandates that notices of violation be prominently posted in the workplace or delivered to employees, and that employees who worked during the period of a violation be notified, with mail, email, and text messages being acceptable methods of notification.