Public Works

NOTIFICATION PAUSING ENFORCEMENT OF PW SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS - 1771.4(a)(3)

This is to notify interested parties that enforcement of contractor registration requirements as well as the requirement to submit electronic certified payroll records (eCPRs) to the Labor Commissioner using DIR’s online eCPR system is temporarily paused for the period of 12 months, which runs from 6/22/2024 through 6/22/2025.  

Awarding Agencies will not be penalized for hiring unregistered contractors nor need to withhold funds due to a contractors inability to register nor provide eCPRs due to system issues.  Additionally, Awarding Bodies and Prime Contractors should not prevent contractors from bidding or working on a Public Works jobs as a result of their inability to register or submit certified payroll due to system issues.

Once the stay of enforcement is lifted, contractors will not be required to retroactively submit eCPRs nor will they be required to retroactively register. 

It is important to note that the requirement to submit eCPRs is separate and distinct from the obligation in Labor Code section 1776 which is unaffected by this notice. 

The Labor Commissioner recommends that awarding bodies and general contractors consider this announcement in the administration of their public works projects. Specifically, where eCPRs may be unavailable during this time, awarding bodies and general contractors should rely on certified payroll records (on forms such as the DIR Form A-1-131) maintained as required by Labor Code section 1776 to ensure continued compliance with all other public works requirements.  

Public works in general means:

  • Construction, alteration, demolition, installation, or repair work done under contract and paid in whole or in part out of public funds.
  • It can include preconstruction and post-construction activities related to a public works project.
  • For a full definition of public works refer to Labor Code section 1720.

Anyone working on a public works project must be paid prevailing wages as determined by DIR. Projects of $30,000 or more must meet DIR's apprenticeship requirements. Failure to comply with public works requirements can result in civil penalties, criminal prosecution, or both.


For more information and to find exact legal definitions and language please see the Public Works Chapter of the California Labor Code.

January, 2025