The proposed bill amends the Living Wage Act of 2006 to establish a minimum living wage for employees working under contracts or receiving government assistance in the District of Columbia. Starting January 1, 2025, the living wage will be set at $17.50 per hour, increasing to $17.95 per hour on July 1, 2025. The bill mandates that all recipients of contracts valued at $100,000 or more, as well as subcontractors receiving $15,000 or more, must comply with this wage requirement. It also clarifies the definition of "affiliated employee" and outlines exemptions for existing collective bargaining agreements, contracts for regulated utility services, and specific agreements related to disaster response and training services.
Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the enforcement of the living wage requirement, assigning monitoring responsibilities to the Department of Employment Services (DOES) and the D.C. Office of Contracting and Procurement. It requires recipients and subcontractors to inform affiliated employees of their rights under the law and to maintain payroll records for a minimum of three years. The legislation aims to ensure fair compensation for workers affiliated with government contracts and assistance programs while providing mechanisms for reporting violations and filing complaints.