The proposed bill introduces the Katherine Johnson and Dorothy Vaughan Fair Pay Act, which aims to enhance wage transparency and protect the rights of applicants and employees in West Virginia. It establishes that employers must provide applicants with the range of wages, benefits, and other compensation for the position they are applying for. Additionally, the bill prohibits employers from retaliating against applicants for not disclosing their wage history or for inquiring about compensation. It also restricts employers from asking about past wages unless they have made an initial offer of employment.

Furthermore, the bill grants employees the right to inquire about and discuss their own and others' wages without fear of employer retaliation. Employers are prohibited from requiring employees to sign waivers that restrict their ability to discuss wages and cannot take adverse actions against employees exercising these rights. The bill also provides a cause of action for individuals who suffer violations, allowing them to seek compensatory damages, attorney fees, and injunctive relief in court. Overall, the legislation aims to promote fair pay practices and protect employees from discrimination based on wage inquiries.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 21-5J-1, 21-5J-2, 21-5J-3, 21-5J-4, 21-5J-5