The bill establishes the Division of Labor Standards within the Department of Commerce as the primary agency for employee protection and workforce support in the state. It outlines the division's responsibilities, which include administering state minimum wage laws, promoting compliance, conducting investigations, and enhancing employee notification regarding their rights. The bill introduces a rebuttable presumption and burden of proof for employers in violation cases, streamlining the complaint filing process. Additionally, it creates a Community Advisory Board to provide oversight and input, requiring annual reports to the Governor and Legislature. The division is granted authority to conduct investigations, issue citations, and enforce compliance, aiming to strengthen employee protections and ensure fair wages.

Significant amendments include the removal of the requirement for aggrieved individuals to notify employers of their intent to sue for unpaid wages, thus simplifying the civil action process. The bill mandates that employers must pay any monetary remedies within 45 days of a decision and allows for judicial review under specific conditions. It also establishes penalties for non-compliance, including fines and civil actions for unpaid wages, and empowers the division to issue stop-orders against non-compliant employers. Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining accurate records and introduces a rebuttable presumption of violation if employers fail to do so for at least five years. Overall, the bill aims to enhance labor protections and ensure accountability for wage violations, with an effective date set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1552 Filed: 448.110