The bill amends Chapter 28-14 of the General Laws entitled "Payment of Wages" by adding a new section specifically addressing the construction industry's paycheck recovery. It defines key terms such as "benefits," "construction," "construction contract," "contractor," "person," "owner," and "subcontractor." The bill establishes that contractors are liable for any debts resulting from wage claims incurred by subcontractors at any tier for labor performed under a construction contract. It also states that agreements to waive this liability are invalid and that remedies for claims are limited to civil and administrative actions. Employees may designate representatives to file wage claims on their behalf, and contractors are jointly and severally liable for unpaid wages and related costs. The bill protects the rights of employees under collective bargaining agreements and allows for such agreements to waive the provisions of this section if explicitly referenced.

The bill also includes provisions to prevent evasion of its requirements and maintains that it does not diminish other lawful remedies against subcontractors. It ensures that the rights under collective bargaining agreements are not diminished, except that such rights may be waived if the agreement explicitly references this section. The bill includes a severability clause, ensuring that if any part of the section is held invalid, other provisions will remain effective. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2024, and will apply to construction contracts entered into, renewed, modified, or amended on or after this date. The legislative explanation clarifies that the act makes contractors civilly liable for wage theft claims and limits recovery to administrative and/or civil actions, with provisions that can be waived by collective bargaining agreements with bona fide building and construction trade labor organizations.