|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
130th MAINE LEGISLATURE |
|
|
LD 1711 |
|
LR 835(02) |
|
|
|
An Act To Enhance
Enforcement of Employment Laws |
|
Fiscal Note for
Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment " " |
|
Committee: Labor and Housing |
|
Fiscal Note Required: Yes |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Fiscal Note |
|
|
|
FY 2021-22 |
FY 2022-23 |
Projections FY 2023-24 |
Projections FY 2024-25 |
| Appropriations/Allocations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Special Revenue Funds |
|
$500 |
$500 |
$500 |
$500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Correctional
and Judicial Impact Statements |
|
|
|
|
|
This bill may
increase the number of civil suits filed in the court system.
The additional workload associated with the minimal number of new cases
filed in the court system does not require additional funding at this time.
The collection of additional filing fees may increase General Fund and
other dedicated revenue by minor amounts. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Fiscal Detail
and Notes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
This legislation
allows a whistleblower that is alleging a violation of certain labor laws to
bring a private enforcement action on behalf of the State and in the name of
the State after providing notice to the Attorney General, the Department of
Labor or the Maine Human Rights
Commission, depending on the law that has been potentially violated. Each agency has a choice as to whether or
not to intervene. If it chooses not to
intervene, the whistleblower may proceed with the private enforcement action. |
|
Both the Bureau
of Labor Standards within the Department of Labor and the Maine Human Rights
Commission have indicated that to meet the anticipated increased workload
consistent with their stautory obligations, additional staff would be
required. However, as the bill allows each agency to decide on a level of
involvement on a case by case basis, no additional positions are included in
this bill. The Office of the Attorney General has indicated it can comply
with the requirements of this bill within existing budgeted resources. |
|
This bill
establishes the Community Outreach and Labor Education Fund within the
Department of Labor as a dedicated, nonlapsing fund to assist workers in
enforcing employment rights, including outreach, community-based education
events, training materials, technical assistance, counseling and
investigative, research and referral services. Base allocations of $500 per year beginning
in fiscal year 2021-22 will be required to authorize expenditures from the
fund in the event revenue is received from a portion of civil penalties
assessed. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|