An Act To Increase Fines for Certain Wage and Benefits Violations

Sec. 1. 26 MRSA §626-A, first ¶,  as amended by PL 1999, c. 465, §5, is further amended to read:

Whoever violates any of the provisions of sections 621-A to 623 or section 626, 628, 629 or 629-B is subject to a forfeiture fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 for each the first violation and $2,500 for each subsequent violation. A civil action may be brought against an employer under this chapter by any person aggrieved by a violation of sections 621-A to 623 or section 626, 628, 629 or 629-B. If the court finds that the employer violated sections 621-A to 623 or section 626, 628, 629 or 629-B, it may award damages, including attorney's fees.

SUMMARY

This bill amends the law regarding employment practices by increasing the fine for a violation of certain state wage and benefits laws to $500 for the first violation and $2,500 for each subsequent violation and by providing a private right of action for a person aggrieved of such a violation.