This bill aims to enhance the enforcement of public work project requirements in New Jersey by increasing penalties for violations related to prevailing wage laws and the submission of certified payroll records. It amends existing laws to raise the maximum administrative penalties for violations from $2,500 for a first offense to a range of $5,000 to $10,000, and from $5,000 for subsequent violations to between $10,000 and $25,000. Additionally, it introduces civil penalties for contractors or subcontractors who fail to submit certified payroll records within 10 days of wage payment, imposing a $1,000 penalty per project for each day of noncompliance. Those who knowingly submit false payroll records face penalties of $15,000 for a first offense and $25,000 for subsequent offenses within five years.

The bill also extends the prohibition period for contractors or subcontractors from three years to five years if they commit multiple violations, including failure to submit certified payroll records, knowingly submitting false records, or willfully paying less than the prevailing wage. Furthermore, it establishes that contractors who knowingly use unregistered subcontractors will incur civil penalties of $10,000 for the first offense and $25,000 for subsequent offenses, while also being jointly liable for any unpaid wages and penalties resulting from the subcontractor's violations. These changes are intended to strengthen compliance and protect workers in public works projects.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 34:11-56.35, 34:11-56.38, 34:11-56.51