Senate Bill 522 Summary

• Prohibits employers from paying women employees less than employees of the opposite sex for comparable work, with exceptions for seniority systems, merit systems, production-based pay, or non-sex-based differentials.

• Makes it unlawful for employers to discharge or discriminate against employees for inquiring about, discussing, or disclosing wages of themselves or other employees.

• Increases maximum administrative fine from $100 to $200 per separate violation per month, with minimum fine raised from $25 to $50.

• Authorizes the Commissioner of Labor to recover investigation and proceeding costs from violating employers, and requires employers to pay any back pay owed to affected employees.

• Directs administrative fines and costs collected to be deposited in the Department of Labor Revolving Fund, effective November 1, 2017.