Posted: 11:58 AM, Feb 25, 2020
By Ben Hall
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) – The state is looking to crack down on dishonest employers in the construction industry.
Governor Bill Lee has proposed a bill (SB 2189) that would penalize employers who misclassify workers as independent contractors to avoid paying workers compensation insurance and then change their company name in order to avoid paying fines after they are caught.
Senator Sara Kyle (D – Memphis) has proposed a bill (SB 2404) that would shut down construction sites when employers do not immediately cooperate with state investigators.
The bills follow a NewsChannel 5 investigation which showed the dark side of Nashville’s building boom.
Some employers cheat workers out of overtime pay and cheat taxpayers out of millions of dollars by not paying for workers’ compensation insurance.
“The dishonest ones, we need to run out of the state of Tennessee,” Senator Kyle said.
Governor Lee’s proposal is sponsored by the Republican leaders of the House and Senate.
“We’re thrilled,” said Victor White with the Carpenter’s Union. “It’s a pure pleasure to see this isn’t partisan. The bills are being submitted from both sides of the aisle.”