Bill > HB4317

This bill proposes significant increases in penalties for employers who violate wage and fringe benefit laws in Michigan. The bill amends existing labor regulations by substantially increasing financial consequences for employers found in violation of wage and benefit payment requirements. Specifically, the bill raises the annual penalty rate from 10% to 100% on unpaid wages and benefits, starting from the time a complaint is filed until payment is made. Additionally, the bill increases potential exemplary damages from twice to three times the amount of unpaid wages and benefits for flagrant or repeated violations. The civil fine that can be assessed against violating employers is raised from $1,000 to $10,000, which will be credited to the state's general fund. The bill also maintains provisions allowing the department of labor to order employers to pay due wages, fringe benefits, attorney and hearing costs, and provides that these changes will take effect 90 days after the bill is enacted into law. The primary intent appears to be creating stronger financial deterrents to wage and benefit payment violations by significantly increasing potential monetary penalties for non-compliant employers.

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https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4317