§ 17250. Burdens of Proof on Wages and Penalties.

(a) The Enforcing Agency has the burden of coming forward with evidence that the Affected Contractor or Subcontractor (1) was served with an Assessment or Notice of Withholding of Contract Payments in accordance with Rule 20 [Section 17220]; (2) was provided a reasonable opportunity to review evidence to be utilized at the hearing in accordance with Rule 24 [Section 17224]; and (3) that such evidence provides prima facie support for the Assessment or Withholding of Contract Payments.

(b) If the Enforcing Agency meets its initial burden under (a), the Affected Contractor or Subcontractor has the burden of proving that the basis for the Civil Wage and Penalty Assessment or for the Withholding of Contract Payments is incorrect.

(c) With respect to any civil penalty established under Labor Code section 1775, the Affected Contractor or Subcontractor shall have the burden of proving that the Labor Commissioner abused his or her discretion in determining that a penalty was due or in determining the amount of the penalty.

(d) All burdens of proof and burdens of producing evidence shall be construed in a manner consistent with relevant sections of the Evidence Code, and the quantum of proof required to establish the existence or non-existence of any fact shall be by a preponderance of the evidence, unless a higher standard is prescribed by law.

HISTORY

1. New section filed 1-15-2002; operative 1-15-2002 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4 (Register 2002, No. 3).

Note

Note: Authority cited: Sections 55, 59, 1742(b) and 1773.5, Labor Code. Reference: Sections 500, 502 and 550, Evidence Code; and Sections 1742(b) and 1775, Labor Code.