WI SB541

Allows individuals alleging employment discrimination, unfair honesty testing, or unfair genetic testing to sue directly in circuit court for compensatory and punitive damages, either instead of or in addition to filing an administrative complaint with DWD

Establishes a 300-day statute of limitations for filing circuit court actions from the date the alleged violation occurred

Caps total damages for future economic losses, noneconomic losses (pain and suffering, emotional distress, etc.), and punitive damages based on employer size: $50,000 for employers with 100 or fewer employees; $100,000 for 101-200 employees; $200,000 for 201-500 employees; $300,000 for over 500 employees

Requires DWD to annually adjust damage caps based on consumer price index increases, publishing updated amounts in the Wisconsin Administrative Register each July 1

Requires courts and the Labor and Industry Review Commission to notify complainants of their right to bring civil court actions when issuing decisions on discrimination complaints