Oregon: fined contractors can keep licenses

Oregon construction contractors are required to respond to state Bureau of Labor and Industries prevailing wage (PWR) rate surveys. Failure to comply can result in civil penalties and liens, but the bureau has no authority over contractor licenses. The bureau asked the Construction Contractors Board to revoke licenses for nonpayment of civil penalties it imposes for failure to respond to PWR surveys. The Oregon Department of Justice has concluded that this action is beyond the board's authority. Read the 19 March 2007 opinion.