This bill establishes civil penalties for employers who coerce employees based on their immigration status, particularly in relation to violations of state employment or labor-related laws. The penalties are tiered: a first violation incurs a fine of up to $1,000, a second violation up to $5,000, and any subsequent violations up to $10,000. Each violation affecting an employee is treated as a separate offense, and penalties will be enforced by the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development through a summary proceeding.

The intent of the bill is to protect employees, especially immigrants, who may be hesitant to report violations due to fear of retaliation related to their immigration status. By imposing these additional penalties, the bill aims to deter employers from using coercive tactics that prevent employees from asserting their rights under existing state employment laws. This legislative measure reinforces the protections already in place for all employees, regardless of immigration status, and seeks to create a safer environment for reporting labor violations.