MD HB1096

Establishes a Worker Protection Unit in the Office of the Attorney General to investigate and prosecute violations of workers' rights laws, including wage and hour laws, workplace fraud, and prevailing wage requirements.

Expands the Maryland False Claims Act to cover unemployment insurance fraud, prohibiting false statements that result in underpayment of UI contributions or improper payment of UI benefits exceeding $15,000 per calendar year.

Strengthens worker misclassification enforcement by applying workplace fraud laws to all industries statewide (not just construction and landscaping), imposing civil penalties of $5,000-$25,000 per misclassified employee, and holding general contractors jointly liable for subcontractor violations.

Grants the Attorney General authority to bring civil actions on behalf of workers when 10 or more employees are affected or total underpayments reach $25,000, with potential recovery of treble damages for knowing violations.

Requires licensing authorities to suspend or revoke professional licenses for employers found in violation of workplace fraud laws and allows debarment from state contracts for repeated or knowing violations of wage, hour, or worker classification laws.