The House Judiciary heard HB 1469 concerning wage payment and wage assignment, authored by Rep. Ober. This bill provides that an employer who fails to make timely payment of wages or withholds wages in bad faith, may, in addition to the wages due, pay liquidated damages, court costs, and a reasonable fee for the employee’s attorney. It provides that an employee may assign wages for: (1) the purchase, rental, or use of uniforms or equipment necessary to fulfill the duties of employment; (2) reimbursement for education or employee skills training; (3) an advance for payroll or vacation pay; and (4) meals eaten by the employee at a location provided by the employer. Rep. Ober introduced an amendment addressing when an employer fails to make payment of wages in bad faith, the employer is liable for triple damages, and a establishing wage assignment cap of $2,500 for uniform purchases. The amendment passed by consent and the bill passed 6-1.
Read the bill at http://iga.in.gov/legislative/2015/bills/house/1469.