Bill > H4218

This bill aims to protect the wages of employees who receive their pay through an electronic wage card. The key provisions include: 1. Requiring employers to provide written notice to employees about their payment options, including the ability to access their full wages without fees at least once per pay period. 2. Mandating that employers obtain written consent from employees before paying wages via a payroll debit card, and prohibiting employers from making this a condition of employment. 3. Ensuring that employees have access to their wages through local financial institutions or ATMs without any fees or unreasonable restrictions. 4. Prohibiting employers from passing on their own costs associated with the payroll debit card to employees, or receiving any kickbacks from the card issuer. 5. Providing employees with the right to withdraw consent for the payroll debit card and have their remaining funds refunded within a reasonable timeframe. 6. Requiring financial institutions to provide advance notice of any changes to the terms and conditions of the payroll debit card that would result in increased fees or liability for the employee. 7. Allowing for enforcement by the Attorney General's office, as well as a private right of action for employees if the Attorney General declines to pursue a case. The bill is intended to take effect on January 1, 2020.

Budget and Finance

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/H4218