Under California Senate Bill 459, what is the maximum fine per violation for willfully misclassifying workers?

The maximum fine per violation for willfully misclassifying workers under California Senate Bill 459 is set at $15,000. This legislation was enacted to address the misclassification of workers, which often leads to taxpayers losing revenue that would otherwise support social programs and worker protections. The financial penalty serves as a deterrent to ensure that employers correctly classify their workers as either employees or independent contractors, depending on their actual working relationships.

This law emphasizes the seriousness with which the state views the misclassification issue, as it can have substantial repercussions for workers, including loss of benefits, rights, and protections under labor laws. The specified amount reflects a balance between being a meaningful consequence for noncompliance while also considering the possibility of unintentional misclassifications that can occur in rapidly changing work environments.