AZ SB1626

Amends Arizona Revised Statutes Section 23-341 to redefine equal pay requirements, changing the standard from "same classification of work" to "substantially similar work" evaluated as a composite of skill, effort, responsibility and working conditions.

Establishes four permissible wage rate differentials: seniority systems, merit systems, production-based earnings systems, and bona fide factors other than sex (such as education, training or experience) that are job-related and consistent with business necessity.

Prohibits employers from reducing employee wage rates to comply with equal pay requirements.

Adds restriction preventing labor organizations from causing or attempting to cause employers to violate the equal pay provisions.

Maintains existing enforcement mechanisms including employee complaints to the commission, civil action rights for wage recovery, six-month statute of limitations for claims, and 30-day lookback period for employer liability.