The proposed bill seeks to amend the Living Wage Act of 2006, clarifying the definition of "affiliated employee" to exclude those providing only intermittent or incidental services related to government contracts or assistance. It outlines specific exemptions from the living wage requirement, such as contracts subject to higher federal wage determinations and collective bargaining agreements that ensure compliance with the living wage. The bill establishes a living wage rate of $17.50 per hour from January 1, 2025, to June 30, 2025, increasing to $17.95 per hour starting July 1, 2025. It mandates that all recipients and subcontractors inform affiliated employees of their rights under the Living Wage Act and maintain payroll records for three years, with enforcement overseen by the Department of Employment Services.
Additionally, the bill proposes amendments to enhance transparency and accountability in resource management within governmental departments. It introduces new provisions requiring departments to submit quarterly reports on resource allocation and usage, which will be reviewed by an oversight committee. The bill also deletes outdated provisions that allowed for discretionary allocations without proper oversight. These changes aim to align resource management practices with current standards and promote responsible governance.