Bill > S210

This bill aims to strengthen the focus on construction jobs within the economic development incentive program, specifically by requiring businesses seeking incentives to demonstrate a clear plan for employing local residents in both permanent and construction roles, and to actively recruit for these positions. It also introduces stricter oversight and potential penalties for businesses and their contractors who violate labor affirmation requirements, such as failing to provide workers' compensation or engaging in wage and hour violations, with consequences ranging from debarment from public works projects to revocation of tax relief and legal action to recover benefits received. The bill clarifies that if a business hires fewer than 50% of the projected permanent employees for an expansion project, it will be considered a material variance, potentially leading to the loss of incentives. The Economic Assistance Coordinating Council (EACC) will be responsible for reviewing these labor affirmation commitments at least every two years and will have the authority to decertify projects if violations are not reported or if debarred contractors are continued to be used.