Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB413

Introduced
3/10/25  

Caption

Providing for statutory construction of Pennsylvania wage and hour laws.

Impact

The enactment of SB413 is poised to have significant effects on how wage regulations are applied in Pennsylvania. The bill mandates that the Minimum Wage Act of 1968 is to be construed in harmony with federal law, specifically addressing instances of dual coverage. This alignment is expected to alleviate burdens on employers who previously faced the challenge of adhering to two differing sets of standards. Additionally, this legislative move aims to eliminate misunderstandings that could result in legal disputes over compliance, creating a more predictable environment for both employers and employees.

Summary

Senate Bill 413, known as the Statutory Construction of Wage and Hour Laws Act, aims to provide clarity and consistency in the interpretation of Pennsylvania's wage and hour laws alongside federal regulations. The bill recognizes that many employers in Pennsylvania are governed by both the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the state's Minimum Wage Act, which can often lead to legal discrepancies and confusion. By aligning Pennsylvania law with federal standards, SB413 seeks to streamline enforcing wage regulations and ensure that employees are protected under a unified legal framework.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB413 appears to lean towards support from various stakeholders, including employers who benefit from the reduction in compliance complexities. There is a widespread acknowledgment of the confusion that arises from the discrepancy between state and federal wage laws. However, critics may argue about potential leniency towards employers at the expense of employee protections, especially concerning the rights of tipped workers and their wages. These differing perspectives highlight a broader debate on balancing business interests with employee rights in wage determination.

Contention

While SB413 seeks to harmonize state and federal wage laws, notable points of contention may arise concerning the specific wage rates for tipped employees and interpretations of the effects of federal updates on state regulations. The proposed minimum cash wage for tipped employees is set at $2.83 per hour, which could be viewed as inadequate by labor groups advocating for higher compensation standards. This aspect of the bill is likely to provoke discussions about the adequacy of worker protections in relation to the evolving economic climate and federal wage standards.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB803

Providing for statutory construction of Pennsylvania wage and hour laws.

PA HB1405

Further providing for definitions and for minimum wages; providing for tipped employees; and further providing for civil actions and for preemption.

PA SB1186

Further providing for definitions and for minimum wages; providing for gratuities; further providing for enforcement and rules and regulations, for penalties, for civil actions and for preemption; and providing for taxpayer savings and reinvestment.

PA HB1500

Further providing for definitions, for minimum wages and for exemptions.

PA HB1135

Further providing for definitions and for minimum wages; providing for gratuities; further providing for enforcement and rules and regulations, for penalties and for civil actions; repealing provisions relating to preemption; and providing for taxpayer savings and reinvestment.

PA SB12

Further providing for definitions and for minimum wages; providing for gratuities; further providing for enforcement and rules and regulations, for penalties and for civil actions; repealing provisions relating to preemption; and providing for local option and for taxpayer savings and reinvestment.

PA HB1630

Establishing the Office of New Pennsylvanians and providing for its powers and duties; establishing the Office of New Pennsylvanians Restricted Account; and establishing the Advisory Committee to Office of New Pennsylvanians and providing for its powers, duties and membership.

PA SB743

Further providing for definitions and for minimum wages.

PA HB1287

Further providing for definitions and for minimum wages.

PA HB1141

In preliminary provisions, further providing for short title, for declaration of intent and for definitions; in wages and hours, further providing for minimum wages, for piece rates, for employment of minors, for discrimination on account of sex prohibited, for records required and notice to workers, for wage payment and for hours of labor and providing for minimum guaranteed period of employment; in regulations and inspections, further providing for rules and regulations, for inspections and entry, for permit to operate a seasonal farm labor camp, for enforcement orders, for civil remedies and for drinking water and toilet facilities and providing for food service and cooking facilities, for cooperative agreements with Federal and State agencies, for medical services and for posting of information concerning housing; in access and entry, further providing for tenancy rights, for interference prohibited and for privileged persons and providing for privacy rights of tenants; in registration of farm labor contractors, further providing for annual registration required, for qualifications of registrants, for agents exempt from registration and employment agencies, for farm labor contractors and agents and prohibited activities and for Secretary of Labor and Industry and powers and duties; in construction, repeals, penalties and effective date, further providing for criminal penalties and providing for retaliation prohibited, for private right of action and for civil penalties and enforcement orders; and making an editorial change.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.