MI HB5620

Removes "to" from penalty language in section 18(1)(a) regarding wages due employees and clarifies fringe benefits language in section 18(1)(b).

Modifies section 18(1)(c) to specify that a 10% annual penalty on unpaid wages and fringe benefits begins when the employer is notified of a filed complaint and ends upon payment.

Changes section 18(2) to allow exemplary damages of up to 2 times the unpaid wages and fringe benefits (instead of "twice") for flagrant or repeated violations.

Increases civil fine authority in section 18(4) to not more than $1,000.00 for violations of the wage and hour act.

Adds section 18(5) establishing escalating civil fines for violations of section 9a: first violation receives a 14-day cure notice before potential $500 fine, with second violation ($5,000), third violation ($15,000), and fourth or subsequent violations ($25,000); allows aggrieved individuals to sue for actual damages of at least $10,000 plus attorney fees.