Farley Santos

I want to update you on a bill I will be testifying on next week, Raised Bill 5275, An Act Concerning a Contractor’s Responsibility for Unpaid Wages on a Construction Contract.

This bill is about one simple principle: if you do the work, you deserve to be paid.

Under current law, when a subcontractor fails to pay workers, employees often have to chase down that subcontractor alone. If the subcontractor disappears, declares bankruptcy, or refuses to pay, workers can be left with little recourse.

This legislation strengthens worker protections by making the general contractor jointly and severally liable for unpaid wages owed to employees of subcontractors on private construction projects. In plain terms, that means if a subcontractor fails to pay its workers, the employee can seek payment from the subcontractor, the general contractor, or both.

The bill applies to most private construction contracts entered into on or after October 1, 2026, including construction, renovation, and rehabilitation projects. It does not apply to public works projects or most small owner-occupied home improvement jobs.

Importantly, workers retain their rights under Connecticut wage law. If wages are not paid, employees may recover:

• Twice the full amount of unpaid wages, plus costs and reasonable attorney’s fees, or

• The full amount owed (if the employer proves a good-faith mistake), plus costs and attorney’s fees.

The Labor Commissioner also retains authority to enforce wage laws and recover unpaid wages with interest.

The bill allows contractors to include contract provisions to seek reimbursement from subcontractors who fail to pay—but those provisions cannot waive or reduce a worker’s right to bring a claim. Workers’ rights come first.

This measure promotes accountability throughout the contracting chain. General contractors are in the best position to vet and monitor the subcontractors they hire. By ensuring responsibility at the top of the project, we help protect hardworking men and women on job sites across our state.

This bill supports fair competition, responsible contractors, and, most importantly, workers who rely on every paycheck to support their families.

As always, I welcome your thoughts and questions.

The Connecticut Student Loan Reimbursement Program has opened a new grant round and is now accepting applications for student loan payments that were made during the 2025 calendar year. 

Click to see if you’re eligible and apply at  the Connecticut Office of Higher Education website at portal.ct.gov/ohe.