MI HB4403

Changes the penalty structure for employers who intentionally fail to pay wages and fringe benefits from a single misdemeanor charge to a graduated felony/misdemeanor system based on the value of unpaid wages.

For unpaid wages under $200: misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days imprisonment, $500 fine, or 3 times the wage value (whichever is greater); increases to 1 year imprisonment and $2,000 fine for repeat offenders.

For unpaid wages $200-$999: misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year imprisonment and $2,000 fine or 3 times wage value (whichever is greater); becomes felony with up to 5 years imprisonment for repeat offenders.

For unpaid wages $1,000-$19,999: felony punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and $10,000 fine or 3 times wage value (whichever is greater); increases to 10 years imprisonment for employers with 2+ prior convictions.

For unpaid wages $20,000 or more: escalating felony penalties ranging from 10 years imprisonment (for $20,000-$99,999) to 20 years imprisonment (for $100,000+), with fines up to 3 times the wage value; takes effect 90 days after enactment.