An Act providing for meal breaks or rest periods for employees; and imposing penalties.

This bill, known as the Paid Rest Period for Workers Act, requires employers in Pennsylvania to give employees at least 30 consecutive minutes for a meal break or rest period after working five or more consecutive hours. These breaks must be paid and counted as work time, though the law allows for exceptions during workplace emergencies or if a union contract already offers equal or better protections. The Secretary of Labor and Industry is authorized to investigate violations by inspecting worksites and reviewing records, and employers who fail to comply face fines of up to $500 per affected employee per missed break. Additionally, the law provides a mechanism for the state to recover lost wages on behalf of employees who were denied these required paid breaks.