OLR Bill Analysis

HB 6462 (as amended by House "A")*

AN ACT CONCERNING CERTIFIED PAYROLLS.

SUMMARY:

This bill requires contractors and subcontractors working on public construction projects to submit their certified payrolls to the contracting agency by first-class, postage-prepaid mail. Current law requires only that these employers submit their payrolls. By law, it is a class D felony to (1) knowingly file a false certified payroll or (2) fail to file a certified payroll that meets the requirements set in the public projects prevailing wage law.

*House Amendment “A” requires the certified payrolls to be sent first-class, postage-prepaid mail; the original bill did not specify the type of mail. It also deletes language stating that filing a false certified payroll by mail may constitute a federal crime.

EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2009

BACKGROUND

Prevailing Wage and Certified Payroll

By law, certified payrolls must include a statement signed by the employer indicating: (1) records are correct; (2) the wage rate paid to each covered employee is at least the prevailing wage rate; (3) the employer has complied with the prevailing wage law; (4) the employer is aware that knowingly filing a false certified payroll is a class D felony; and (5) several other requirements are met. Covered employees include each person performing the work of a mechanic, laborer, or worker.

A class D felony carries a fine of up to $ 5,000, up to five years imprisonment, or both.

COMMITTEE ACTION

Labor and Public Employees Committee

Joint Favorable