Lawmakers Consider Making Noncompliance a Felony

By Michael Whiteley, Eastern Bureau ChiefMassachusetts state lawmakers are considering legislation proposed by state Attorney General Martha Coakley that would make failure to carry workers' compensation coverage a felony punishable by up to five years in state prison.Bill Vernon, state director of the Massachusetts chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business, said although the bill aims to crack down on intentional misclassification of employees as independent contractors, opponents believe it will ensnare some legitimate business owners who are not trying to avoid the cost...