Labor: fair employment practices; penalty for wage and fringe benefit payment violations with the intent to defraud; increase. Amends sec. 15 of 1978 PA 390 (MCL 408.485).

House Bill 4318 increases the penalties for employers who intentionally fail to pay wages and fringe benefits owed to their employees. It establishes a tiered system where the severity of the punishment depends on the total value of the unpaid wages and benefits. For smaller amounts, employers could face misdemeanor charges with fines and imprisonment. However, for larger unpaid amounts or repeat offenses, employers could face felony charges, with significantly higher fines up to three times the unpaid amount and potential imprisonment for up to 20 years. This bill directly affects employers and their employees and will take effect 90 days after enactment.