ND HB1293

State contracts exceeding $500,000 cannot be executed with businesses having 40+ full-time employees unless the business holds an equal pay certificate or qualifies for exemption.

Businesses applying for equal pay certificates must submit a $150 filing fee and compliance statement signed by board chair, CEO, or owner confirming compliance with Title VII and Equal Pay Act, and detailing wage equity practices and evaluation methods.

Equal pay certificates are valid for four years; the labor commissioner must issue or reject applications within 15 days, with failure to comply with the chapter as the sole basis for rejection.

Commissioner may suspend or revoke certificates if businesses fail to make good-faith compliance efforts or have multiple violations; the state may void, terminate, or abridge contracts upon certificate suspension or revocation with 30 days notice.

Filing fees are deposited in a special revenue account providing continuing appropriation to the commissioner for chapter administration; biennial reports to legislative management must detail certificates issued and compliance processes used by businesses.