Provides for notification of wage theft and protection for employees who report wage theft. Imposes duties on the Department of Labor and Industry. Establishes the Wage Theft Notification and Protection Restricted Account. Imposes penalties and other relief.

Establishes the Wage Theft Notification and Protection Act, which aims to combat wage theft and protect employees' rights. Requires the Department of Labor and Industry to develop a clear, plain-language summary explaining wage theft, including examples, legal citations, remedies, and employee protections. Employers must provide this summary to employees within 90 days of the law's effective date or during hiring, and post it in a conspicuous workplace location or make it electronically accessible. The bill defines wage theft as the failure to pay or withhold legally due wages, benefits, or compensation. Employers who violate the notification requirements can face criminal penalties of up to $500 per violation, and the Department of Labor and Industry can assess additional civil penalties. The law also strictly prohibits retaliation against employees who report wage theft, with a 90-day presumption of retaliation if adverse action is taken against an employee after they exercise their rights. A new Wage Theft Notification and Protection Restricted Account is established to fund enforcement efforts, and the department must submit annual reports detailing wage theft violations, including the number of violations, impacted workers, and enforcement actions. The act will take effect four months after passage.

Pending Committee action.

03/21/2025 Referred to Senate Committee on Labor and Industry,