Wage enforcement hearings get longer, more flexible deadlines

The labor department must schedule hearings and issue decisions within reasonable, timely periods, subject to 120-day limits. This applies to wage complaints considered just and valid by the Department of Labor and Training. The department orders a hearing only for a complaint its investigatory team, director, or designee considers just and valid. The hearing limit runs from service of a formal complaint. The decision limit runs from the close of the hearing.

The law removes set deadlines for when prevailing wage enforcement hearings must be held. This applies to hearings before the labor director or designee on prevailing wage enforcement matters involving a person, firm, or corporation. Affected people and businesses still must receive notice and an opportunity to be heard. The amended section no longer sets a minimum time between notice and the hearing or a deadline for holding the hearing after it is ordered.