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HR 17

Veterans who were victims of Agent Orange during the Vietnam War; commend

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bethany Ballard and 5 co-sponsors

The Paycheck Fairness Act strengthens equal pay protections, mandates salary transparency, and empowers employees to combat gender wage discrimination in the workplace.

House Read and Adopted
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 17

Summary of HR 17 - Paycheck Fairness Act

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: HR 17
  • Title: Paycheck Fairness Act
  • Status: Introduced in House
  • Introduced On: March 25, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The Paycheck Fairness Act aims to address and eliminate wage discrimination based on gender. The bill seeks to strengthen the Equal Pay Act of 1963 by providing additional protections for employees and ensuring that they receive equal pay for equal work, regardless of gender. This legislation is designed to promote fairness in the workplace and to close the gender pay gap that persists across various industries.

Key Provisions

The Paycheck Fairness Act includes several significant provisions:

  1. Strengthening Equal Pay Protections:

    • Enhances the existing Equal Pay Act by prohibiting employers from retaliating against employees who discuss or disclose their wages.
    • Requires employers to provide a justification for any pay disparities based on factors other than gender.

  2. Transparency Requirements:

    • Mandates that employers report salary data by gender to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to promote transparency in pay practices.

  3. Training and Resources:

    • Establishes training programs for employers on how to comply with equal pay laws and promote fair pay practices within their organizations.

  4. Increased Penalties:

    • Increases penalties for employers found to be in violation of equal pay laws, thereby incentivizing compliance.

  5. Support for Legal Action:

    • Provides employees with the right to sue for damages if they believe they have been subjected to pay discrimination.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Employees: Primarily women and other marginalized groups who experience wage disparities in the workplace.
  • Employers: Businesses of all sizes will need to comply with the new reporting and transparency requirements, which may involve changes to their payroll practices and policies.
  • Government Agencies: The EEOC will have an expanded role in monitoring compliance and collecting wage data.

Procedural Aspects

  • On March 25, 2025, the bill was referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform for further consideration. The timeline for further action will be determined by the Speaker of the House.

Related Legislation

  • HR 2219: A companion bill that may address similar issues related to pay equity and workplace fairness.

Conclusion

The Paycheck Fairness Act represents a significant step towards achieving gender pay equity in the United States. By implementing stronger protections, increasing transparency, and providing resources for compliance, this legislation aims to create a fairer workplace for all employees.

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

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