IL HB4293

Increases monthly damages for unpaid wages from 2% to 5% of underpayment amount for each month wages remain unpaid.

Creates criminal penalties including Class B misdemeanor for unpaid wages of $5,000 or less and Class A misdemeanor for amounts exceeding $5,000.

Establishes Class 4 felony charge for employers violating wage payment laws a second time within 2 years of prior criminal conviction.

Requires employers ordered to pay wages to pay non-waivable administrative fees to Department of Labor ranging from $250 to $1,000 depending on amount owed.

Creates Wage Theft Enforcement Fund from recovered fees and penalties to be used solely for enforcement of the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act.