MD HB299

Prohibits knowingly making false records or statements that result in underpayment of unemployment insurance contributions or payment of unemployment insurance benefits exceeding $15,000 in a calendar year, with civil penalties deposited into the Unemployment Insurance Fund

Requires the Commissioner of Labor and Industry and Attorney General to meet at least monthly to coordinate enforcement of workplace fraud, prevailing wage, and living wage laws, with the Attorney General authorized to investigate and bring suit when the Commissioner has not acted within 6 months or declined to investigate

Establishes joint and several liability for general contractors for workplace fraud violations committed by subcontractors on construction projects, regardless of direct contractual relationships

Mandates licensing authorities to suspend or revoke licenses of employers found in violation of workplace fraud laws who fail to pay penalties or restitution within 45 days, affecting licenses issued by boards including electricians, plumbers, HVAC contractors, and home improvement contractors

Expands debarment grounds under State procurement law to include repeated violations (not just willful or knowing violations) of prevailing wage, living wage, and workplace fraud statutes, effective October 1, 2026