Bill > HB1617

This bill amends the Wage Payment and Collection Law to expand definitions related to construction contracts and establish specific liability provisions for general contractors and subcontractors. The bill defines "construction contract" as any agreement to perform work on real property in Pennsylvania, and "construction services" to include a wide range of activities such as construction, reconstruction, improvements, painting, alterations, maintenance, and repairs. It introduces a provision that makes general contractors jointly and severally liable for wage violations committed by subcontractors, even if the subcontractor is not in direct contractual relationship with the general contractor. The bill also requires subcontractors to indemnify general contractors for wages, damages, interest, and attorney fees paid due to their violations, with two key exceptions: if indemnification is already specified in the construction contract or if the violation arose from a lack of prompt payment according to the contract terms. The new provisions will apply only to construction contracts entered into on or after the bill's effective date, which is 60 days after passage. This legislation aims to provide clearer guidelines and accountability in construction industry wage payments and protect workers by ensuring broader responsibility for wage compliance.

Labor and Employment

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1617