SB 426: Relating to wages.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Makes an owner and a direct contractor jointly and severally liable in a civil action for any unpaid wages owed to the unrepresented employees of the direct contractor and subcontractors at any tier. Provides the statute of limitations for actions regarding recovery for unpaid wages. <b>Specifies that the joint and several liability provisions for unpaid wages do not apply to construction work relating to real property that is used as the owner's principal residence or real property with five or fewer residential or commercial units on a single tract.</b> Clarifies that the Attorney General may accept the assignment of claims and bring civil actions in the name of the State of Oregon on such claims. Permits the Attorney General to adopt rules regarding the assignment of claims. Requires notice to be sent by certified mail that informs the owner and the direct contractor of the alleged violation and specifies the time period within which the owner and the direct contractor may correct the alleged violation. Creates a rebuttable presumption that, in any action for unpaid wages, the person performing labor on a construction project is an employee. Provides that the party claiming otherwise may rebut the presumption by establishing that the person qualifies as an independent contractor. Provides that an owner may bring an action against a direct contractor to recover damages for amounts paid by the owner. Requires subcontractors to provide certain payroll records and other information to the owner or the direct contractor, upon request. Provides that subcontractors shall provide certain payroll records to an authorized third party representative in certain circumstances. Permits the owner and the direct contractor to withhold payment to a subcontractor in certain circumstances. Clarifies that the owner or direct contractor may withhold payment in an amount and to the extent that the owner or direct contractor paid, on behalf of the subcontractor, wages owed to the subcontractor's employees.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 20 · Democratic/Working Families 1

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. June 20, 2025Effective date, January 1, 2026.
2. June 20, 2025Chapter 287, 2025 Laws.
3. June 9, 2025Governor signed.
4. June 2, 2025Speaker signed.
5. May 30, 2025President signed.
6. May 29, 2025Senate concurred in House amendments and repassed bill.
7. May 28, 2025Vote explanation(s) filed by Isadore, Watanabe.
8. May 28, 2025Passed.
9. May 28, 2025Motion to refer to Rules failed.
10. May 28, 2025Motion to rerefer to Labor and Workplace Standards failed.
11. May 28, 2025Motion to substitute Minority Report for Committee Report failed.
12. May 28, 2025Third reading. Carried by Fragala.

Showing 12 most recent of 29 actions. Full history