Senate Bill No. 268, also known as Public Act No. 26-17, amends Section 31-76a of the general statutes to enhance enforcement of prevailing wage laws. The bill empowers the Labor Commissioner and designated officials to investigate complaints regarding nonpayment of wages and violations of specific wage statutes. It establishes procedures for issuing stop work orders against employers found in violation of these laws, requiring them to cease operations until compliance is achieved. The bill also allows for hearings to be requested by employers who receive stop work orders.

A significant addition to the law is the provision that allows the commissioner to notify the Comptroller when a stop work order is issued against a contractor or subcontractor on public works projects. The Comptroller is then required to inform the contractor or subcontractor of the noncompliance and provide a ten-day period for them to rectify the situation. If compliance is not achieved within this timeframe, the Comptroller is authorized to withhold payments to the contractor or subcontractor until the stop work order is lifted or penalties are paid. This new language aims to strengthen the enforcement of prevailing wage statutes and ensure compliance among contractors working on public projects.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 31-76a
LAB Joint Favorable: 31-76a
File No. 76: 31-76a
Public Act No. 26-17: 31-76a