Senate Bill 541 aims to enhance the legal recourse available to individuals alleging employment discrimination, unfair honesty testing, or unfair genetic testing in Wisconsin. The bill allows individuals or the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) to file a civil action in circuit court for compensatory and punitive damages, in addition to or instead of filing an administrative complaint. This action must be initiated within 300 days of the alleged violation. If the court finds in favor of the plaintiff, it can award back pay and other relief similar to what could be granted in an administrative proceeding, along with compensatory and punitive damages subject to specified caps based on the size of the employer.

The bill also introduces new provisions regarding the notification process for complainants and the commission's decisions, ensuring that individuals are informed of their rights to seek judicial review and to bring actions under the new statute. Additionally, it establishes a mechanism for adjusting damage caps based on changes in the consumer price index. The bill amends existing statutes to incorporate these changes, including the addition of new sections and the revision of current legal language to enhance clarity and enforceability.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 111.39(4)(d), 111.39, 111.39(5)(b), 814.04(intro.), 814.04