The bill amends the Minimum Wage Act of Arkansas to enhance the enforcement of fair and prompt wage payments to employees. 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 when a complaint is filed, ensuring that legal actions to recover wages must commence within one year of a final order on the claim. It also allows employees to join administrative proceedings if a violation prevents the discovery of valid compensation claims. These changes aim to streamline the complaint investigation process and improve the overall enforcement of wage laws in Arkansas.

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