An Act to prevent wage theft, promote employer accountability, and enhance public enforcement
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill aims to combat wage theft, increase employer accountability, and strengthen the state’s ability to enforce labor laws. It seeks to ensure that workers are paid correctly and receive all wages and overtime they are entitled to. The bill also intends to improve the process for workers to report wage theft and for the state to investigate and address these issues. Ultimately, the goal is to protect workers’ rights and promote fair labor practices in Massachusetts.
Key provisions
- Expands the definition of wage theft to include various forms of unpaid compensation.
- Creates a new process for workers to report wage theft claims.
- Increases the penalties for employers who engage in wage theft.
- Requires employers to provide workers with clear information about their wages and hours.
- Establishes a dedicated unit within the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to investigate wage theft claims.
- Allows for the recovery of liquidated damages in wage theft cases.
- Provides for the assessment of civil penalties against employers who violate wage and hour laws.
- Requires employers to maintain accurate records of employee wages and hours worked.
Who is affected
- Employees
- Employers
- Massachusetts residents
- Labor unions
- The Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Notable changes
Bill text
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
55 on record
Primary sponsor
Daniel M. Donahue
Cosponsors
Adrianne Pusateri Ramos
Amy Mah Sangiolo
Arguments
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