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Bill

Bill

HB 299

Fraud Prevention, Prevailing Wage, and Living Wage - Prohibitions, Penalties, and Enforcement

2026 Regular Session

Maryland bill establishing fraud prevention enforcement mechanisms, penalties, and prohibitions for prevailing wage and living wage law violations in labor contracts.

Second Reading Passed with Amendments
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 299

Legislative bill overview

HB 299 addresses fraud prevention and enforcement mechanisms related to prevailing wage and living wage requirements in Maryland. The bill establishes prohibitions, penalties, and enforcement procedures for violations of wage laws, though specific provisions are not detailed in the available action history.

Why is this important

Prevailing wage and living wage laws directly affect worker compensation, contractor compliance costs, and public procurement processes. Strengthening enforcement mechanisms can prevent worker exploitation and ensure fair labor practices, while implementation costs may affect business operations and project bidding in Maryland.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost impact on contractors and businesses: Increased penalties and enforcement may raise compliance costs, particularly for small contractors bidding on public projects
  • Prevailing wage definition and scope: Disagreement over which jobs and industries should be covered, and what wage levels constitute "prevailing" or "living" wages
  • Enforcement burden and resources: Questions about which agencies enforce these provisions and whether adequate funding and staffing exist for investigation and prosecution

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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