Bill > SB1044

This bill clarifies and modifies Oregon's labor laws regarding meal periods for employees. Specifically, the bill amends existing statutes to explicitly define that meal periods are not considered "work time" under state wage and hour laws. The bill establishes that if an employer violates meal period requirements set by the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries, they will be liable to pay the employee a penalty amount determined by the commissioner, which is distinct from wages or compensation. The legislation introduces a provision that allows for minor, insubstantial shortening of meal periods (five minutes or less) without constituting a violation, provided the employer encouraged an uninterrupted meal period and did not direct the shortening. The bill maintains existing protections for employees, such as preventing employers from coercing workers into waiving meal periods, and allows the commissioner to assess civil penalties up to $2,000 for violations. An emergency clause is included, meaning the bill will take effect immediately upon passage, underscoring its perceived urgency in addressing workplace meal period regulations.

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https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/SB1044