An Act relative to protecting wages of deceased employees

HD 1853 ensures that unpaid wages owed to a deceased employee are paid directly to their family members or designated individuals without requiring court probate. It establishes a specific payment order: surviving spouse first, then adult children (or their guardian), parents, siblings, or a person who paid funeral expenses. Employers must pay upon a "proper demand" (a sworn affidavit with proof of death, relationship, and funeral costs if applicable) and retain all documentation with the employee's record. This payment fully releases the employer from future liability for those wages.