Massachusetts S1224 amends wage theft laws to enhance due process and penalties.

Massachusetts S1224 amends existing wage theft laws to strengthen due process and penalties. The bill allows the attorney general to issue stop work orders against employers found in violation of wage laws, which can halt business operations at specific locations. Employers have 10 days to appeal such orders. The bill also increases the maximum penalty for wage theft to $25,000 and allows for civil actions by employees. It establishes a Wage Theft Compensation Trust Fund to provide relief to workers. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2023.

Massachusetts S1224 amends wage theft laws to enhance due process and penalties.

Massachusetts S1224 amends existing wage theft laws to strengthen due process and penalties. The bill allows the attorney general to issue stop work orders against employers found in violation of wage laws, which can halt business operations at specific locations. Employers have 10 days to appeal such orders. The bill also increases the maximum penalty for wage theft to $25,000 and allows for civil actions by employees. It establishes a Wage Theft Compensation Trust Fund to provide relief to workers. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2023.