EMPLOYEE CLASSIFICATON-PENALTY

Amends the Employee Classification Act. Provides that an employer that violates any provision of the Act or rule adopted under the Act is subject to a civil penalty not to exceed: (i) $1,500 (rather than $1,000) for each violation found in the first audit by the Department of Labor and (ii) $2,500 (rather than $2,000) for each repeat violation found by the Department within a 5-year period. Provides that a person who willfully violates any provision of the Act or rule adopted under the Act or obstructs the Director of Labor or any other person authorized to inspect places of employment under the Act is liable for penalties up to triple (rather than double) the statutory amount. Provides that an employer that is found to have willfully violated any provision of the Act shall be debarred from being awarded a State contract. Effective immediately.