HB 715 — An Act amending the act of January 17, 1968 (P.L.11, No.5), known as The Minimum Wage Act of 1968, further providing for penalties.

Summary

Addressing the Most Significant Type of Theft in the US – Wage Theft

Bill Text

• Printer's No. 0734 View text Current

AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

The bill increases penalties for employers who violate minimum wage laws and outlines new classifications of offenses based on the amount of unpaid wages.

• Section 12(a)

  not less than [five hundred dollars ($500) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000)] → not less than one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) nor more than three thousand dollars ($3,000)

  Increases the fine for retaliating against employees who testify under this act.

• Section 12(b)

  [in a summary proceeding, be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than seventy-five dollars ($75) nor more than three hundred dollars ($300) or to undergo imprisonment of not less than ten nor more than sixty days, or both.] → be sentenced to the following:

  Changes the penalties for employers paying employees less than the minimum wage by creating a tiered system of offenses.

• Section 12(b)

  (1) A summary offense for a first offense if the total wages due were less than one hundred fifty dollars ($150).

  Introduces a new classification for first offenses based on the amount of unpaid wages.

• Section 12(b)

  (2) A misdemeanor of the second degree for a second offense and if the total wages due were less than one hundred fifty dollars ($150).

  Defines the penalty for a second offense involving less than $150 in unpaid wages.

• Section 12(b)

  (3) A misdemeanor of the first degree for a first or second offense if the total wages due were more than one hundred fifty dollars ($150).

  Creates stricter penalties for offenses involving more than $150 in unpaid wages.

• Section 12(b)

  (4) A felony of the third degree for a third or subsequent offense regardless of the total amount of wages due.

  Establishes a felony charge for repeat offenders, enhancing accountability.

• Section 12(b.1)

  Each week in which such employe is paid less than the rate applicable to him or her under this act and for each employe who is paid less than the prescribed rate, a separate offense shall be deemed to occur.

  Defines each week of underpayment as a separate offense, increasing the potential penalties for ongoing violations.

• Section 12(c)

  not less than [one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500)] → not less than three hundred dollars ($300) nor more than one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500)

  Increases the fines for employers violating other provisions of the act.

Action History

1. February 24, 2025

   Referred to LABOR AND INDUSTRY, Feb. 24, 2025

Sponsors

• Keith S. Harris · Cosponsor
• Emily Kinkead · Primary
• Ben Waxman · Cosponsor
• Carol Hill-Evans · Cosponsor
• MaryLouise Isaacson · Cosponsor
• Elizabeth Fiedler · Cosponsor
• Tarah Probst · Cosponsor
• Chris Pielli · Cosponsor
• Jeanne McNeill · Cosponsor
• Michael H. Schlossberg · Cosponsor
• Melissa Cerrato · Cosponsor
• Christopher M. Rabb · Cosponsor
• Jim Haddock · Cosponsor
• Ed Neilson · Cosponsor
• Kristine C. Howard · Cosponsor
• Jose Giral · Cosponsor
• Danielle Friel Otten · Cosponsor
• Joseph C. Hohenstein · Cosponsor
• Daniel J. Deasy · Cosponsor
• G. Roni Green · Cosponsor
• Joe Ciresi · Cosponsor
• Robert Freeman · Cosponsor
• Mandy Steele · Cosponsor
• Benjamin V. Sanchez · Cosponsor
• Tarik Khan · Cosponsor
• La'Tasha D. Mayes · Cosponsor
• Malcolm Kenyatta · Cosponsor
• Dan K. Williams · Cosponsor
• Brett R. Miller · Cosponsor

Subjects