MS HB865

Prohibits employers, including state government and political subdivisions, from paying employees of one sex less than employees of another sex for equal work requiring equal skill, effort, education, experience, and responsibility under similar working conditions.

Allows wage differentials based on seniority systems, merit systems, production-based earnings systems, or factors other than sex.

Makes employers liable to affected employees for unpaid wages plus interest when violating equal pay requirements; employees must demonstrate they were paid less for equal work and the wage differential was not based on permissible conditions.

Requires employees to return any recovery under this act if they also recover the same amount under the federal Equal Pay Act of 1963 or Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, whichever recovery is less.

Establishes a two-year statute of limitations for civil actions, running from the date the employee knew or should have known of the employer's violation.