HB 168 Summary

• Amends Section 104-24 to require "proper notice and opportunity for hearing" before the Department assesses penalties for wage and hour violations on public work projects.

• Establishes joint and several liability for both the person and firm in violation, requiring both to be listed on the notice of violation for first, second, and third violations.

• Modifies penalty structure: first violation penalty equals 25% of back wages or $250-$2,500 (whichever is greater); second violation equals 100% of back wages or $500-$5,000; third violation equals 200% of back wages or $1,000-$10,000.

• Authorizes three-year suspension from public work projects for third violations, effective on the later of 21 days after notice or upon issuance of a department decision; suspension includes any project not yet begun at the job site.

• Defines "person" to include sole proprietors, principal managing employees, and contractor license holders; defines "offense" as each chapter section cited, with each employee and project counted separately for prevailing wage violations.