MI SB0320

Expands the statute of limitations for wage violation claims from 3 years to allow employees to bring civil actions for unpaid wages and recover equal liquidated damages plus attorney fees.

Authorizes the commissioner to investigate wage violations and bring civil actions on behalf of all similarly situated employees at the same work site who have not filed individual claims.

Broadens non-discrimination protections in Section 13 to cover religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, and marital status, applying protections across all establishments rather than within single establishments.

Changes the equal pay standard from "equal skill, effort, and responsibility" to "equivalent skill, effort, and responsibility" and "similar working conditions" to "comparable working conditions."

Expands Section 13(1)(d) exceptions to allow wage differentials based on bona fide job-related factors such as education, training, experience, or market conditions, rather than only factors other than sex.

Adds enforcement mechanism allowing violations of Section 13 to be pursued under the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (1976 PA 453) in addition to other remedies under the Workforce Opportunity Wage Act.

Takes effect 90 days after enactment.