The bill amends K.S.A. 38-612 to establish stricter penalties for individuals or entities that employ persons or children in violation of the law. It removes previous language that classified such violations as misdemeanors with fines ranging from $25 to $100 and potential jail time. Instead, the bill introduces a tiered penalty system: a first offense is classified as a Class A person misdemeanor, a second offense becomes a severity level 7 person felony, and a third or subsequent offense escalates to a severity level 5 person felony. Additionally, significant fines are imposed for repeat offenders, with a $25,000 fine for a second conviction and a $50,000 fine for a third or subsequent conviction.

Furthermore, the bill repeals the existing K.S.A. 38-612, indicating a complete overhaul of the previous legal framework regarding employment violations. The new provisions aim to enhance accountability and deter violations by imposing more severe consequences for repeated offenses. The act will take effect following its publication in the statute book.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 38-612