The bill amends the existing law regulating the payment of wages and fringe benefits to employees in Michigan, specifically focusing on the process for filing complaints regarding violations of this act. Key changes include extending the time frame for employees to file a complaint from within a certain period after the violation to "not later than 12 months after the alleged violation." Additionally, the bill mandates that the Department of Labor provide bilingual complaint forms in areas with significant non-English-speaking employee populations. It also specifies that the department must notify both the employer and employee within a reasonable time after a complaint is filed and outlines the process for reviewing the department's determination.

Further amendments clarify the roles and responsibilities of the department and the hearings officer in the complaint resolution process. The hearings officer is tasked with making determinations in proceedings and must issue a final disposition within 30 days after the hearing concludes. The bill also allows for judicial review of the hearings officer's determination in accordance with the administrative procedures act and ensures that the identity of the employee filing a complaint can be kept confidential if requested. Overall, these changes aim to enhance the clarity and efficiency of the complaint process while protecting employee rights.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 408.481