Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB46

Introduced
1/18/23  

Caption

Further providing for notification; providing for duty of employer; and imposing criminal and civil penalties.

Impact

The introduction of SB46 is likely to create significant changes in employment law within the state. By imposing penalties for failure to comply with notification duties, the bill seeks to enforce stricter adherence to employment standards. This could reshape how employers operate, compelling them to invest in better communication strategies to avoid legal repercussions. The anticipated outcomes may include a heightened awareness of employee rights concerning notifications and a shift in corporate culture toward more proactive management of employee relations.

Summary

Senate Bill 46 focuses on the responsibilities of employers related to notification requirements concerning their duties, as well as the implications of non-compliance, which include both criminal and civil penalties. The bill aims to clarify the expectations placed on employers, ensuring they adhere to proper notification practices in the workplace. This legislation intends to streamline communication from employers to employees, potentially improving workplace transparency and accountability.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB46 appears to be cautious but generally supportive among lawmakers who prioritize workplace transparency and employee rights. Advocates believe that the bill will enhance protections for workers, ensuring they receive critical information about their rights and responsibilities. However, there are concerns from some quarters regarding the potential burden on small businesses and the feasibility of enforcing these new requirements, which could lead to debates in legislative discussions regarding its implementation.

Contention

Points of contention in discussions around SB46 include the scope of the penalties it proposes and the practicality of imposing such requirements on employers. Critics argue that the enforcement mechanisms could disproportionately affect smaller businesses that may not have the resources to comply with stringent notification demands. Supporters counter that the importance of clear communication justifies the penalties outlined in the bill, highlighting that the primary goal is to protect employees from being uninformed about their employment rights.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB942

Further providing for notification; providing for duty of employer; and imposing criminal and civil penalties.

PA HB716

Further providing for notification; providing for duty of employer; and imposing criminal and civil penalties.

PA SB341

Further providing for definitions; providing for duty of department to report; further providing for civil remedies and penalties, for liquidated damages and for criminal penalties; providing for employer liability; and establishing the Wage Enforcement Fund.

PA SB94

Further providing for definitions; providing for duty of department to report; further providing for civil remedies and penalties, for liquidated damages and for criminal penalties; providing for employer liability; and establishing the Wage Enforcement Fund.

PA HB944

Further providing for definitions; providing for duty of department to report; further providing for civil remedies and penalties, for liquidated damages and for criminal penalties; providing for employer liability; and establishing the Wage Enforcement Fund.

PA HB718

Further providing for definitions; providing for duty of department to report and for investigations; further providing for civil remedies and penalties, for liquidated damages and for criminal penalties; providing for employer liability; and establishing the Wage Enforcement Fund.

PA SB487

Providing for notification of wage theft and for protection for employees who report wage theft; imposing duties on the Department of Labor and Industry; establishing the Wage Theft Notification and Protection Restricted Account; and imposing penalties and other relief.

PA SB987

Providing for notification of wage theft and for protection for employees who report wage theft; imposing duties on the Department of Labor and Industry; establishing the Wage Theft Notification and Protection Restricted Account; and imposing penalties and other relief.

PA HB1751

Further providing for definitions, for improper classification of employees and for criminal penalties; providing for private right of action; further providing for administrative penalties, for retaliation for action prohibited, for availability of information, for use of penalty funds and for funding; and imposing penalties.

PA HB721

Further providing for definitions, for improper classification of employees and for criminal penalties; providing for private right of action; further providing for administrative penalties, for retaliation for action prohibited, for availability of information, for use of penalty funds and for funding; and imposing penalties.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.