CT SB00418

Contractors or subcontractors who knowingly or willfully pay workers below prevailing wage rates on public works projects or fail to pay required fringe benefits shall be issued a citation and fined up to $5,000 per offense (effective July 1, 2023).

The commissioner shall maintain a list of contractors or subcontractors that violate prevailing wage requirements or settle claims during the preceding three calendar years, recording the nature of violations, wage/fringe benefit amounts, and civil penalties.

The commissioner shall refer contractors or subcontractors for debarment if they committed violations during a rolling three-year period, or if settlement agreements total over $50,000 in back wages or civil penalties within that period.

Contracting officers may terminate a contractor's right to proceed with work or withhold payment if workers are found to be paid below required prevailing wage rates, and the contractor and sureties are liable for excess costs.

Contracting departments must notify the Labor Commissioner within two days of taking enforcement action, providing details on the contractor, project, violations, termination date, and wage collection steps.