An Act relative to defense against abusive waivers

This bill (SD 1595) bans employment contracts from requiring employees to waive legal rights related to discrimination, retaliation, harassment, unpaid wages, or workplace safety violations. It makes such waivers void and unenforceable, prohibits employers from retaliating against workers who refuse these waivers, and allows employees to sue for damages if they face retaliation. Employers who enforce invalid waivers must pay damages, attorney fees, and court costs. The law applies to contracts signed after its effective date and ensures courts - not arbitrators - decide if waiver clauses apply to protected claims.