The bill amends the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act by adding a new section, 202b, which mandates that employers with two or more employees inform their workforce about equal pay laws. Employers are required to post a notice at their worksite that includes statements about the illegality of wage discrimination based on various protected characteristics, such as race, sex, and disability. Additionally, the notice must provide information on how employees can report violations to the Department of Civil Rights, including a contact number and website address. Employers who fail to comply with this requirement may face a civil fine of up to $100.
Furthermore, the bill modifies section 602 by clarifying the responsibilities of the Department of Civil Rights. It emphasizes the need for anonymity during investigations of alleged violations and requires the department to maintain a dedicated telephone line for anonymous reporting of violations. The department is also tasked with creating a public website that provides information about rights under the act, an electronic reporting form, and the contact number for reporting violations. These changes aim to enhance the enforcement of civil rights protections and ensure that employees are informed of their rights.
Statutes affected: House Introduced Bill: 37.2602