This bill establishes the Division of Labor Standards within the Department of Commerce as the primary agency for employee protection and workforce support. It outlines the division's responsibilities, including administering and enforcing laws related to minimum wage and employee rights, conducting investigations, issuing citations, and collaborating with other entities for enforcement and educational outreach. A Community Advisory Board is created to provide oversight and input, with the director required to submit an annual report to the Governor and Legislature. Key amendments include the requirement for employers to notify employees of their rights and a revised process for filing complaints, which includes a rebuttable presumption and burden of proof for employers in cases of violations. Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to enhance protections against discrimination and retaliation for employees asserting their rights under state minimum wage laws. It specifies that the division will calculate the adjusted state minimum wage annually based on inflation, with the first adjustment taking effect in 2006. The bill also establishes penalties for employers who violate wage laws, including fines and civil penalties, and allows the division to collect unpaid wages on behalf of employees. Employers are required to maintain compliance records for a minimum of five years, and a rebuttable presumption of violation is established if records are not kept. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen employee protections and ensure fair pay and compliance among businesses, with an effective date set for July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 358 Filed: 448.110