HI HB536

Requires contractors and subcontractors performing work under state contracts subject to section 103-55 to pay equal wages or salaries to employees for work requiring equal skill, effort, and responsibility under similar working conditions.

Mandates contractors include wage reporting provisions in state contracts showing a summary of wages paid to employees by gender, submitted to the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations on a schedule determined by the contracting agency.

Imposes liquidated damages and suspends violating contractors from state contracts for three years following notice of violation, though contractors must complete active contracts during the suspension period.

Prohibits retaliation against employees who inquire about, discuss, or disclose wages; assert rights under this section; or file complaints for violations.

Exempts employees with authorized access to wage information from retaliation protections when disclosing wages in response to formal complaints, investigations, or consistent with legal obligations to furnish information.