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Bill

Bill

A 166

Relates to securing payment of wages for work already performed; creates an employee lien

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Burdick and 25 co-sponsors

Bill A 166 allows employees to file liens on employers' property to secure unpaid wages, enhancing their ability to recover earned pay and promoting fair labor practices.

REFERRED TO JUDICIARY
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 166

Summary of Bill A 166

Bill Number: A 166
Title: Relates to securing payment of wages for work already performed; creates an employee lien
Status: Referred to Judiciary
Introduced: January 08, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 166 aims to enhance the protection of employees' rights to receive payment for wages earned for work already performed. The primary intent of the bill is to establish a legal framework that allows employees to secure their unpaid wages through the creation of an employee lien. This mechanism is designed to provide workers with a more effective means of recovering owed wages, particularly in cases where employers may be unwilling or unable to pay.

Key Provisions

  • Employee Lien Creation: The bill introduces a provision that allows employees to file a lien against an employer's property to secure payment for unpaid wages. This lien acts as a legal claim on the employer's assets, providing employees with a stronger position to recover owed wages.

  • Filing Process: The bill outlines the process for employees to file a lien, including necessary documentation and timelines. Specific procedures for notifying employers and other stakeholders are also included.

  • Priority of Claims: The bill specifies how employee liens will be prioritized in relation to other claims against the employer's assets, ensuring that employees have a fair chance of recovering their wages.

  • Enforcement Mechanisms: The legislation includes provisions for the enforcement of these liens, detailing how employees can pursue legal action if their wages remain unpaid after the lien is filed.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Employees: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are employees who face challenges in receiving their earned wages. This includes workers across various sectors who may encounter wage disputes with their employers.

  • Employers: Employers will need to be aware of the implications of this bill, as it introduces new responsibilities and potential liabilities regarding wage payments. They will also need to understand the process for contesting or addressing liens filed against their property.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Current Status: As of January 8, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Judiciary Committee for further consideration.

  • Related Legislation: Bill A 166 is related to several prior-session bills (A 9008, A 766, A 46) and has a companion bill in the Senate (S 2131), indicating ongoing legislative interest in the issue of wage security for employees.

Conclusion

Bill A 166 represents a significant step toward improving wage security for employees by establishing a legal mechanism for securing unpaid wages through employee liens. If enacted, this legislation could provide workers with greater assurance that they will be compensated for their labor, thereby promoting fair labor practices and accountability among employers.

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

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