Vote to pass a bill that establishes wage protections for independent contractors who do not receive agreed-upon payments from clients.
Highlights:
Defines independent contractor as a "sole proprietor who is not an employee and who is hired or retained by a client for an amount equal to or greater than $600" (Sec. 1).
Authorizes Department of Labor to review complaints, make claims for compensation, and access liquid damages (Sec. 1).
Authorizes awards of reasonable attorney fees and liquidated damages (Sec. 1).
Specifies that complaints must be made within 6 years of failure to receive payment (Sec. 1).
Establishes penalty for failure to pay compensation as follows (Sec. 1):
First Offense: Misdemeanor Conviction, with a fine of no less than $500 and no more than $20,000, or imprisonment for no more than 1 year; and
Second or Subsequent Offenses within 6 years of the first: Felony Conviction, with a fine of no less than $500 and no more than $20,000, or imprisonment for no more than 1 year plus 1 day.
Specifies that this act shall become effective immediately (Sec. 2).