Bill > SB2164

This bill amends the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act to enhance the Department of Labor's powers and penalties related to wage claims. The bill increases administrative fees that employers must pay when they are ordered to pay unpaid wages, with the fees ranging from $500 to $1,250 depending on the amount of wages owed. It clarifies and expands the Department's ability to collect unpaid wages by allowing final administrative decisions to be treated as a debt owed to the State, which can be collected using various legal remedies. The bill also strengthens penalties for employers who willfully refuse to pay wages, including potential misdemeanor and felony charges for repeated violations. Additionally, the legislation provides more robust protections for employees who file wage claims, including preventing employer retaliation and allowing employees to seek legal relief. The bill introduces a provision that procedural changes will be applied retroactively, while substantive changes will be applied prospectively, and it takes effect immediately upon becoming law. These changes aim to more effectively enforce wage payment regulations and protect workers' rights to timely and full compensation.

Business and Industry, Labor and Employment

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=2164&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104