The Wage Theft Prevention and Wage Recovery Act would change federal wage rules and enforcement. It would require covered employers to give workers pay information at hiring and when it changes, provide detailed paystubs, and make final payments within 14 days or by the next payday, whichever comes first. Workers could request up to five years of payroll records, and employers would have 21 days to provide them. The bill would also require employers to pay the higher rate promised in an employment agreement, extend the time to bring wage claims, and suspend that time while the Labor Department investigates. It would increase some penalties and damages, protect court claims from being waived in certain agreements, and create grants for wage-law education, enforcement, and wage recovery partnerships.
If you are a covered worker, you could receive more details about your pay and request copies of your payroll records. If an employer fails to pay wages you were promised, the bill would provide additional ways to seek repayment. Eligible organizations, employers, business associations, and colleges could apply for grants to support wage-law education and enforcement activities.
The bill authorizes Congress to provide funding for the grant program for fiscal years 2027 through 2030, with funds available until spent. It does not specify a dollar amount.
The bill states that its purpose is to prevent wage theft, help workers recover unpaid wages, strengthen penalties, and support better enforcement through community partnerships.
No publicly available information.