WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 630

An Act amending the act of December 17, 1959 (P.L.1913, No.694), known as the Equal Pay Law, further providing for definitions and for wage rates; providing for additional violations; further providing for powers of secretary, for collection of unpaid wages, for records and reporting and for penalties; and establishing the Equal Pay Enforcement Fund.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lisa Borowski and 41 co-sponsors

Pennsylvania updates its 1959 Equal Pay Law with stronger wage protections, expanded investigative powers, and a dedicated enforcement fund to combat workplace discrimination.

Referred to Labor & Industry
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 630

Legislative bill overview

HB 630 modernizes Pennsylvania's 1959 Equal Pay Law by expanding definitions of covered workers, strengthening wage rate protections, and adding new enforcement mechanisms. The bill enhances the Secretary of Labor's authority to investigate violations, collect unpaid wages, and establishes a dedicated Equal Pay Enforcement Fund to support compliance efforts.

Why is this important

Pennsylvania's original Equal Pay Law has remained largely unchanged for 66 years, making it outdated relative to modern workplace practices and federal standards. Strengthening enforcement mechanisms could address wage discrimination by giving state regulators better tools and funding to investigate complaints and recover unpaid wages owed to affected workers.

Potential points of contention

  • Employer compliance costs: Expanded definitions and reporting requirements may impose administrative burdens and costs on businesses, particularly small employers unfamiliar with updated standards
  • Fund source ambiguity: The bill establishes an enforcement fund but the specific revenue source (fees, penalties, general appropriations) isn't detailed in this summary, raising questions about fiscal impact
  • Definition scope: Broadening who qualifies for equal pay protections could create boundary disputes about worker classifications and what constitutes comparable work requiring equal compensation

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.