Crimes: other; provision regarding wage discrimination based on sex; modify, and increase fines. Amends sec. 556 of 1931 PA 328 (MCL 750.556).

This bill amends Michigan's penal code to strengthen penalties for employers who discriminate against workers by paying them different wages based on sex, religion, race, or other protected characteristics. Under the proposed changes, an employer found guilty of such wage discrimination commits a misdemeanor and faces fines that increase with company size, ranging from $5,000 for businesses with 1 to 15 employees up to $20,000 for those with more than 50 employees. The legislation also maintains existing protections against assigning tasks disproportionate to a female worker's strength or employing women in roles detrimental to their health or potential for motherhood. While the bill clarifies that wage differences based on factors unrelated to protected status are not violations, it does not alter the underlying requirement that similarly employed individuals receive equal pay regardless of gender.