Bill > HB4319

This bill amends the Michigan criminal procedure code to expand sentencing guidelines for wage and fringe benefit payment violations. Specifically, the bill adds new categories of wage fraud offenses under Section 408.485, creating graduated penalties based on the value of unpaid wages and fringe benefits. The new sentencing classifications range from Class E (for prior convictions or wage theft of $200 or more) to Class B (for wage theft of $100,000 or more), with maximum sentences increasing from 5 to 20 years depending on the amount stolen. The bill also updates the list of felonies covered under the criminal code, extending the existing chapter to now include chapters 400 through 408 instead of 400 through 407. The amendments will take effect 90 days after enactment, but are contingent on the passage of a related House Bill (HB 4318). These changes aim to provide more comprehensive legal consequences for wage theft and improve protections for workers by establishing clearer sentencing guidelines for such offenses.

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https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4319