H.R.5048

Don’t STEAL Act Don’t Stand for Taking Employed Americans’ Livings Act

Introduced·8/26/25

Increases criminal and civil penalties for wage theft under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

The Don’t STEAL Act amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to enhance penalties for wage theft. It introduces a new section ensuring employees receive full compensation, with employers required to pay the greater of contractual, collective bargaining, or statutory wage rates. The bill also increases criminal penalties for wage theft violations, with fines and imprisonment up to 5 years for violations exceeding $1,000, and up to 1 year for violations of $1,000 or less. Fines collected will fund the Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Current
Education and Workforce Committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

History

Aug 26, 2025

House

Introduced in House

Aug 26, 2025

House

Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.