An Act amending the act of July 14, 1961 (P.L.637, No.329), known as the Wage Payment and Collection Law, further providing for definitions; and providing for specific liability.

HB 1617 amends Pennsylvania's Wage Payment and Collection Law to clarify that general contractors are jointly and severally liable for unpaid wages owed by subcontractors on construction projects. This directly affects construction workers who may receive faster payment, as well as general contractors (who must cover subcontractors' wage violations) and subcontractors (who must reimburse contractors under specific conditions). Key provisions require general contractors to pay wages if subcontractors fail to do so, unless the subcontractor's contract already covers indemnification or the general contractor delayed payment. The bill applies to new construction contracts entered after its effective date, which is 60 days after passage.