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Bill

Bill

S 4042

Keep Your Pay Act

119th Congress Introduced by Cory Booker

S 4042 restricts employer wage deductions and garnishments while establishing federal penalties for improper withholding, aiming to prevent wage theft against workers.

Introduced in Senate
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 4042

Legislative bill overview

The Keep Your Pay Act, sponsored by Senator Cory Booker, aims to protect workers' wages by restricting employer deductions and wage garnishments beyond what is already permitted by federal law. The bill would establish clearer standards for what can be withheld from employee paychecks and create penalties for violations.

Why is this important

Wage theft and improper deductions cost workers billions annually, disproportionately affecting low-income and vulnerable employees. Clear federal standards would provide uniform protections across states and create enforcement mechanisms that currently vary significantly, potentially recovering lost income for affected workers.

Potential points of contention

  • Business compliance costs: Employers may argue the bill creates administrative burdens and requires expensive system updates to track permissible vs. impermissible deductions
  • Definition disputes: Disagreement likely over what constitutes legitimate deductions (uniforms, tools, training costs, cash register shortages) versus illegal wage theft
  • Federal vs. state authority: Questions about whether federal standards should override existing state wage protection laws that may be stricter or have different frameworks

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

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