Madigan Announces Bill to Strengthen Illinois Prevailing Wage Act

Attorney General Lisa Madigan has announced new legislation to beef up the state’s Prevailing Wage Act to include, among other things, making violations of the Act a felony. Also, those criminally convicted would be prohibited from working on public projects for a period of four years.

In addition to violations of the Prevailing Wage Act becoming Class 4 felonies from their current status as Class A misdemeanors, Attorney General Madigan said the proposed legislation will boost enforcement, bring about more widespread compliance and less fraud on public bodies. Additionally, the bill:
 

• Permits state, local and federal law enforcement agencies to obtain relevant documents from contractors and subcontractors. Currently, only IDOL and the relevant public body have the right to obtain these documents.

• Reduces the amount of notice contractors and subcontractors have prior to the inspection of documents by government entities from seven to three days.

• Ensures that officers and agents of corporations that perform prevailing wage work are held accountable for the actions of their corporations.

• Provides clarification about when certified payrolls must be filed and how long certified payroll records must be retained.