Bill > HB715

This bill amends The Minimum Wage Act of 1968 to increase penalties for employers who violate wage regulations. The bill significantly escalates fines and introduces more nuanced criminal classifications for wage violations. For employers who discriminate against employees who might testify about wage issues, the fine range increases from $500-$1,000 to $1,500-$3,000, with potential imprisonment. For wage underpayment, the bill introduces a graduated penalty system based on the amount of unpaid wages: a first offense involving less than $150 is a summary offense, a second offense or first/second offense over $150 becomes a misdemeanor, and a third or subsequent offense becomes a felony. The bill also clarifies that each week of underpayment for each employee constitutes a separate offense, and that any agreement between employer and employee to work for less than minimum wage is not a valid legal defense. Additionally, penalties for other act violations now range from $300 to $1,500, with each day of non-compliance considered a separate offense. The changes aim to create stronger deterrents and more precise legal consequences for minimum wage violations. The bill will take effect 60 days after passage.

Labor and Employment

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=715