SB 600 Summary

• Repeals Arkansas Code § 11-4-405 (payment on discharge) and replaces it with the "Right to Know and Get Your Pay Act" establishing comprehensive wage payment and pay stub requirements.

• Requires employers to notify employees in writing at hiring of normal hours, wages, payment time/place, and deductions; provide pay stubs for each pay period showing gross/net pay, hours worked, and itemized deductions; and pay all wages by regular payday or face penalties.

• Mandates discharged employees receive all wages due within 48 hours of termination, or within 5 days/next payday (whichever is first), with employers liable for double wages if payment is delayed more than 7 days.

• Provides civil action remedies including $1,000 minimum damages for failure to provide pay stubs, 25% penalty on unpaid wages, double damages for intentional violations, attorney's fees, and $5,000 penalty for retaliation against employees asserting wage rights.

• Prohibits employer retaliation for wage inquiries or complaints; establishes 3-year statute of limitations for civil actions; requires Department of Labor and Licensing to provide wage theft information in English, Spanish, and Marshallese; and voids any private agreements waiving these protections.