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Bill

HB 716

An Act amending the act of July 14, 1961 (P.L.637, No.329), known as the Wage Payment and Collection Law, further providing for notification; providing for duty of employer; and imposing criminal and civil penalties.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Heather Boyd and 32 co-sponsors

Pennsylvania bill strengthens wage payment law by expanding employer notification duties and imposing criminal/civil penalties for violations, targeting wage theft enforcement.

Referred to Labor & Industry
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 716

Legislative bill overview

HB 716 amends Pennsylvania's Wage Payment and Collection Law by strengthening employer notification requirements and duties regarding wage payments. The bill introduces new criminal and civil penalties to enforce these requirements, creating stronger enforcement mechanisms for wage payment violations.

Why is this important

Wage theft and improper payment practices affect thousands of Pennsylvania workers annually. Strengthening notification requirements and penalties makes it harder for employers to avoid accountability while giving workers clearer information about their pay, potentially recovering lost wages and deterring violations.

Potential points of contention

  • Employer compliance costs: Businesses, particularly small employers, may face increased administrative burdens and legal liability from expanded notification duties
  • Penalty severity: The nature and level of criminal and civil penalties could significantly impact businesses of varying sizes differently, raising fairness questions
  • Definition ambiguity: Without seeing specific language, "duty of employer" provisions could be interpreted broadly, creating uncertainty about what constitutes violation
  • Enforcement resources: Effective enforcement requires adequate state labor department funding and staffing, raising implementation questions

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

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