House Bill No. 6517 aims to enhance transparency in employment practices by requiring employers to disclose salary ranges and benefits in both public and internal job postings. The bill introduces new definitions for "Benefits," which now includes health insurance, retirement benefits, fringe benefits, and paid leave, and "Wage range," which refers to the good faith salary range set by employers for a position. It prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for discussing wages or inquiring about others' wages, and mandates that employers provide wage ranges and a general description of benefits to applicants and employees upon request or at specific points in the employment process.

Key changes in the bill include the establishment of penalties for employers who violate these provisions, allowing employees to seek statutory damages between $1,000 and $10,000, along with attorney's fees. The timeframe for bringing an action against an employer for violations is set at two years. The bill also clarifies that its provisions apply to positions performed within the state or those requiring reporting to a location within the state, thereby broadening its scope. Notably, it eliminates a previous exemption that allowed employers to withhold employee wage information, thereby promoting fair pay practices and protecting employees' rights regarding wage discussions. The effective date for these changes is set for October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Committee Bill: 31-40z
LAB Joint Favorable: 31-40z
File No. 506: 31-40z