HB 887 Summary

• Establishes prevailing wage protections for human services providers (social workers, case workers, investigators) employed through State and county contracts exceeding $2,000

• Requires prevailing wages to include both basic hourly rate and fringe benefits (health/welfare, pension, vacation, continuing education), with rates determined by the director of labor and industrial relations based on modal wage rates in similar circumstances

• Mandates contractors pay wages weekly without deduction, post wage rates, maintain payroll records for three years, and provide weekly certified payroll and fringe benefit reporting to contracting agencies

• Establishes enforcement mechanisms including investigation authority, penalties ranging from $250-$2,500 for first violations up to $10,000 for third violations, and suspension from state/county contracts for three years upon third violation

• Allows human services providers to pursue civil actions for unpaid wages with attorney's fees and liquidated damages, and permits contractors with collective bargaining agreements to submit them to the director as prevailing wage standards