PA
Pennsylvania House Bill HB716

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB716

Introduced
2/24/25  

Caption

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

Impact

By clarifying the requirements for employer notifications, HB 716 seeks to enhance transparency in wage payments and inform workers of their rights and benefits more effectively. The bill also introduces penalties for employers who fail to comply with these notification requirements, thereby reinforcing the importance of adherence to labor laws. This change is expected to lead to more equitable treatment of employees and fewer disputes regarding wage payments.

Summary

House Bill 716 aims to amend Pennsylvania's Wage Payment and Collection Law. It establishes increased responsibilities for employers regarding notification to their employees at the time of hiring. Employers are required to disclose the time and place of payment, the rate of pay, and any fringe benefits or wage supplements. Additionally, the bill mandates that employers provide information about any changes to these conditions before they take effect. Employers may opt to meet this obligation by posting notice in a conspicuous area at their workplace.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 716 appears to be generally positive, particularly among employee advocacy groups and labor unions who view the bill as a step forward in protecting workers' rights. Conversely, some business representatives express concerns over the potential administrative burdens the new notification requirements may impose. The reaction thus highlights a common tension between labor rights advocacy and business compliance issues within the legislative discourse.

Contestation

Notable points of contention encountered during discussions include the practicality of implementing the notification requirements, particularly for small businesses. Critics also raised the concern about the potential punitive nature of the introduced penalties, which some argue could disproportionately affect smaller employers. Thus, while the intent of the bill is to protect employee rights, there are apprehensions about how it could impact employers and the balance between ensuring compliance and nurturing a favorable business environment.

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 SB46

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

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 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 SB1322

Further providing for exemptions and for duty of employer.

PA SB577

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

PA SB13

Providing for mandatory Statewide employer-paid sick leave for employees and for civil penalties and remedies.

PA HB1181

In dissemination of criminal history record information, further providing for use of records for employment; imposing duties on the Department of Labor and Industry; and imposing penalties.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.