NY S04973

Expands the definition of "wages" to include employment compensation that is not payable solely at the employer's discretion, requiring employers to provide clear, prominent, and timely notice to employees if bonuses or other compensation are discretionary.

Requires employers to produce written terms of employment upon request from the commissioner or an employee, with a presumption that employee-presented terms are the agreed terms if the employer fails to produce documentation.

Clarifies that violations of wage payment provisions constitute misdemeanors and do not exempt violators from civil liability under labor law sections 198 and 198-a.

Increases the earnings threshold for executive, administrative, and professional employees exempt from criminal wage payment penalties from $900 to $1,300 per week, effective concurrent with chapter 433 of the laws of 2023.

Effective immediately for actions filed after enactment, known as the "Wage Payment Integrity Act."