An Act to further protect employees through a private right of action

This bill creates a new legal mechanism allowing specific non-profit groups and labor organizations to sue employers on behalf of workers who have not been paid their owed wages. Under the new law, these designated groups can file a "private attorney general action" in court to recover unpaid wages, penalties, and legal fees without needing to wait for individual arbitration decisions. If the group wins the lawsuit, the court will award triple the owed wages to affected employees who claim their interest within 90 days and order the employer to pay additional penalties into a state wage enforcement fund. A portion of the recovered funds will be set aside to provide urgent financial assistance, such as for housing or food, to employees with immediate needs. The legislation also ensures that these lawsuits cannot be forced into arbitration and must include the Attorney General's office in the process.