Oregon law sets felony penalties for some contractor license number misuse

The Interagency Compliance Network develops investigative methods to gather and share information about people whose actions may constitute theft of services and who do not comply with tax or employment laws. The network includes the named state agencies and other state agencies that join through an agreement. Agencies may use shared information only to enforce laws they administer. This provision takes effect January 1, 2027.

A person commits a Class C felony by intentionally using a contractor’s license number without the licensed contractor’s permission, or by using the number with intent to deceive the public. The rule applies to a person who uses a contractor’s license number. The public deception rule applies whether or not the licensed contractor gave permission. This provision takes effect January 1, 2027.

A direct contractor or subcontractor commits a Class A misdemeanor by knowingly contracting with a construction labor contractor who must be licensed but is not properly licensed. The offense is a Class C felony if the contractor or subcontractor has a prior conviction under this rule. The rule covers direct contractors and subcontractors who knowingly contract with an unlicensed construction labor contractor. A construction labor contractor licensed under ORS chapter 701 is excluded from this rule’s definition. This provision takes effect January 1, 2027.

A criminal prosecution for theft of services does not prevent an employee, independent contractor, authorized representative, or the labor commissioner from starting a civil case or administrative proceeding to seek remedies allowed by law. The provision applies to employees, independent contractors, authorized third-party representatives, and the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries. The proceeding may seek only remedies provided by law. This provision takes effect January 1, 2027.