This bill mandates that all employers or contractors engaged in work for a public body must register with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) and submit certified payroll records to both the DOLWD and the relevant public entity. This requirement extends beyond the current law, which only applies to employers and contractors involved in public work or those subject to prevailing wage laws. The bill broadens the definition of "public body" to include the State of New Jersey, its political subdivisions, and any authorities or agencies created by the Legislature, while also defining "work for a public body" to encompass various types of construction and maintenance activities funded by public bodies.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions that enhance the DOLWD's authority to investigate and inspect records related to wages and employment conditions for workers engaged in public body projects. It specifies that if an employer fails to provide requested records within a designated timeframe, the commissioner can withhold a portion of the payment due to the employer under the contract. This aims to ensure compliance with wage and labor regulations for all contractors working on public projects, thereby promoting transparency and accountability in public contracting.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 34:11-56.50, 34:11-56.51, 34:11-56.31