The bill amends the Minimum Wage Act of 1968 to increase penalties for employers who violate wage and employment regulations. Specifically, it raises the fines for employers who discriminate against employees for testifying in investigations from a range of $500 to $1,000 to a new range of $1,500 to $3,000. Additionally, it modifies the penalties for employers who fail to pay employees the applicable wage rates, establishing a tiered system of offenses based on the amount of wages due. For instance, a first offense with wages due under $150 is classified as a summary offense, while subsequent offenses can escalate to misdemeanors or felonies depending on the circumstances.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a provision that considers each week an employee is underpaid as a separate offense, emphasizing the seriousness of wage violations. It also increases the fines for other violations of the act from a range of $100 to $500 to a new range of $300 to $1,500, with each day of non-compliance constituting a separate offense. The changes aim to strengthen enforcement and deter employers from violating wage laws, thereby protecting employees' rights. The act is set to take effect in 60 days.