Wages: prohibited forms of payment.

Existing law prohibits a person from issuing certain instruments in payment of wages due unless certain circumstances are met, as specified. This bill would, in addition, prohibit an employer from using a payroll card, as defined, to pay an employee's wages unless the employee voluntarily signs a written agreement to do so and the employer also provides the employee another lawful option for receiving his or her wages. A violation of these provisions would constitute a crime, thereby imposing a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.