IL HB2863

Increases administrative fees imposed on employers ordered by the Department of Labor or court to pay wages, with fees scaled based on amount owed: $500 for $3,000 or less, $1,000 for $3,000-$10,000, and $2,000 for $10,000 or more.

Employers who fail to comply with wage payment demands within 15 calendar days or court/administrative orders within 35 days must pay a 20% penalty to the Department of Labor and 1% per calendar day penalty to affected employees.

Creates a new Wage Theft Enforcement Fund in the state treasury to receive all administrative fees and civil penalties collected under the Act, to be used only for enforcement purposes.

Establishes criminal penalties for willful wage theft: Class B misdemeanor for $5,000 or less in unpaid wages, Class A misdemeanor for more than $5,000, and Class 4 felony for repeat violations within 2 years.

Permits the Department of Labor, represented by the Attorney General, to assess and recover penalties and fees through civil action in circuit court or administrative proceedings.