HB6349 Summary

• Amends the Employment of Illinois Workers on Public Works Act to require at least 90% of workers on state-funded public works projects be Illinois laborers (defined as residents for 30+ days intending to remain).

• Establishes civil penalties for violations: up to $1,000 for first violation, $5,000 for second, and $15,000 for third or subsequent violations by the Department, with each worker and each day constituting separate violations.

• Creates a private right of action allowing interested parties to sue in circuit court without exhausting administrative remedies, with the right to recover attorney's fees and up to $500 per violation, with a 3-year statute of limitations from project completion.

• Creates the Employment of Illinois Workers on Public Works Projects Fund to receive civil penalties and fund Department administration, investigations, and enforcement activities.

• Grants the Department of Labor authority to investigate, inspect work sites and records, compel witness testimony, issue cease-and-desist orders, and pursue injunctive relief for violations.