HB1653 Summary

• Creates Section 50-14.6 of the Illinois Procurement Code barring persons or businesses convicted of repeated or willful wage payment violations from doing business with the State of Illinois or its agencies for 5 years from the date of conviction or administrative finding.

• Requires all bids, offers, contracts, vendor portal submissions, and subcontracts to include certification that the bidder is not barred under the wage violation provisions, with voiding authority for false certifications.

• Excludes vendors or contracts providing WIC, SNAP, or Medicaid benefits from the wage violation debarment provisions.

• Amends the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act to elevate criminal penalties for willful wage theft: increases unpaid wages of $5,000 or less from Class B misdemeanor to Class 4 felony, and unpaid wages over $5,000 from Class A misdemeanor to Class 3 felony.

• Extends the lookback period for repeat wage theft offenses from 2 years to 5 years, making subsequent violations within that extended timeframe Class 3 felonies.