State lawmakers have approved legislation giving the state comptroller authority to withhold payments when contractors violate prevailing wage laws.
State lawmakers have approved legislation giving the state comptroller authority to withhold payments on public projects when contractors violate prevailing wage laws.
Senate Bill 268 passed the Senate in a 31-5 vote in April and cleared the House Monday, 107-40, with support and opposition largely split along party lines.
The bill, which still requires approval from Gov. Ned Lamont, authorizes the comptroller to suspend payments to contractors or subcontractors found to have knowingly or willfully underpaid workers, after a stop-work order is issued by the labor commissioner.
Contractors would have 10 business days to come into compliance after notification before payments can be withheld. Funds would be released once violations are resolved, penalties are paid or a settlement is reached.
The bill faced opposition from some construction industry groups, which argued it could disrupt project cash flow and unfairly penalize contractors not directly responsible for wage violations.
State Comptroller Sean Scanlon said the measure will help protect workers and safeguard taxpayer dollars.
