Bill > LB75

This bill amends Nebraska's Wage and Hour Act to clarify and strengthen provisions related to tipped employees and workplace wage regulations. The bill updates definitions for key terms like "employer" and "employee", and establishes a graduated minimum wage schedule increasing from $9 per hour in 2022 to $15 per hour by 2026, with subsequent annual adjustments based on the consumer price index. For tipped employees such as waitstaff, the bill maintains the current base wage of $2.13 per hour, but emphasizes that the combination of wages and gratuities must meet or exceed the standard minimum wage. The legislation introduces new recordkeeping requirements for employers, mandating that they maintain detailed employee records for at least three years and make these records available for inspection by the Labor Commissioner. The bill also establishes a formal complaint process for employees who believe their employer is violating wage regulations, allows the Department of Labor to investigate and enforce these rules, and creates protections against employer retaliation. Additionally, the bill specifies penalties for violations, including potential misdemeanor charges and liability for unpaid wages plus liquidated damages, and ensures that employees can collectively bargain for wages and working conditions beyond the minimum standards established by the act.

Business and Industry

https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59212