HB5046 - Fair Scheduling Act Summary

• Requires employers to provide written work schedules to employees at least 72 hours before the first shift begins, with schedules posted at the workplace and transmitted electronically.

• Mandates employers pay at least one-half the employee's regular rate for scheduled hours not worked when shifts are canceled or reduced within 72 hours of the scheduled start time.

• Prohibits employer retaliation, discrimination, or adverse actions against employees who exercise rights under the Act, file complaints, or oppose violations.

• Exempts salaried employees earning above $50,000 per year (or $962 per week) and creates exceptions for emergencies, natural disasters, utility failures, and mutually agreed shift swaps.

• Establishes private right of action for employees to recover actual damages, compensatory damages, punitive damages, and attorney's fees, with civil penalties of $250-$3,000 per violation and creates the Fair Scheduling Act Enforcement Fund for administrative costs.