Bill > H1693

This bill aims to protect employees who receive their wages through an "electronic wage card," which is defined as a card or similar item provided by an employer for wage payment where wages are deposited into an account controlled by the employer or a designated third party. Key provisions include requiring employers to offer employees the ability to withdraw or transfer their full wages without any fees on or after payday, and to clearly disclose any fees associated with using the card after the initial transaction. Furthermore, employers cannot pay wages via an electronic wage card unless they obtain the employee's explicit written consent beforehand, and this consent cannot be a condition of employment. When offering this payment method, employers must also provide a plain-language written disclosure detailing all wage payment options, the terms and conditions of the electronic wage card, a complete list of potential fees, how to check balances for free, whether third parties might charge additional fees, and alternative payment methods. The bill also mandates that the Department of Labor and Workforce Development will create rules and a model notice for employers regarding electronic wage cards.