Bill > S2119

This bill aims to establish pay equity by amending existing laws to prohibit gender-based wage discrimination for "comparable work," which is defined as work that requires substantially similar skill, effort, and responsibility and is performed under similar working conditions, with job titles alone not determining comparability. Employers are forbidden from paying individuals less than employees of a different gender for comparable work, with specific exceptions for bona fide systems rewarding seniority, merit, production, geographic location, education, training, experience, or travel, provided these factors are reasonably related to the job and consistent with business necessity. The bill also prohibits employers from reducing an employee's pay to comply with these provisions and allows employees to recover unpaid wages, liquidated damages, and attorney fees if an employer violates the law. Furthermore, it makes it unlawful for employers to prevent employees from discussing their wages, to screen applicants based on their wage history, or to seek salary history from former employers, though prospective employees can voluntarily disclose this information after receiving a job offer. The bill also mandates that employers post notices informing employees of their rights and establishes a special commission to study and report on gender-based pay disparity, with its findings and recommendations due by January 1, 2019, and subsequent annual reports until January 1, 2024.