Sec. 1. 5 MRSA §1743-D is enacted to read:

§1743-D.__Contractor and subcontractor responsibility

1.__Requirements for contractors and subcontractors.__A contractor or subcontractor performing work on a public improvement project subject to this chapter must meet the following criteria and the applicable requirements of subsections 2 to 5.

A.__The contractor or subcontractor must comply with state and federal prevailing wage laws by paying the appropriate prevailing wage and submitting certified payroll records in a timely manner to the public official in charge of the public improvement project.

B.__The contractor or subcontractor must maintain or participate in a bona fide apprentice training program for each apprenticeable trade or occupation that is represented in the contractor's or subcontractor's workforce and approved by the Standing Committee on Apprenticeship of the Maine Jobs Council under Title 26, section 2006 or other state-recognized program.

C.__The contractor or subcontractor must maintain comprehensive health and hospitalization benefits for employees and their families, at that contractor or subcontractor's expense.

D.__The contractor or subcontractor must maintain appropriate workers' compensation coverage for all employees.

E.__The contractor or subcontractor must properly classify employees as employees rather than as independent contractors and must treat them as employees for purposes of workers' compensation coverage, unemployment compensation and Social Security taxes and income tax withholding.

F.__The contractor or subcontractor must comply with any local ordinance or requirement regarding employment.

2.__Contractor's certification of intent to comply; proof of insurance.__When a contractor submits a bid to perform work on a public improvement project subject to this chapter, the contractor shall certify in writing and under oath that the contractor will comply with the requirements of subsection 1.__ The contractor shall also provide written proof that the