The bill amends the Minimum Wage Act of Arkansas to enhance the enforcement of fair and prompt wage payments to citizens. It grants the Director of the Division of Labor expanded authority to investigate complaints regarding unpaid wages and to take legal action to recover owed wages. The amendments clarify the process for investigating wage and hour complaints, including the assessment period for violations, which is set at two years prior to the complaint filing, with potential extensions if the investigation is hindered.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions that toll the statute of limitations for claims until a final order is issued, and it requires that any legal action to recover wages must be initiated within one year of that final order. It also allows for employees to be joined in administrative proceedings if a violation prevents the discovery of valid claims for compensation. These changes aim to streamline the complaint investigation process and ensure that employees can effectively seek redress for wage violations.

Statutes affected:
SB 279: 11-4-218(d)
Act 397: 11-4-218(d)