As of March 1, 2015, all bidders on public works projects are required to be registered with the state Department of Industrial Relations (DIR). Before awarding a project the list must be consulted to insure the general and the bid team are all registered. The registration fee is $300 and requires the contractor have a license that is free of discipline.
SB 854 also requires contractors to submit certified payroll records to the state Labor Commissioner’s office for all new projects. Contractors must provide these payroll records for projects awarded prior to April 1, 2015 when the requirement took effect, if the projects are still ongoing after January 1, 2016.
The government is hoping the new requirements will reduce violations of prevailing wage, workers’ compensation insurance and unpaid liabilities. CSLB’s Public Works Unit investigators will be seeking to identify contractors not following the law, so be prepared.