Don’t STEAL Act

HR 9337, the "Don’t STEAL Act," requires employers to pay employees the full wage rate specified in their employment contracts (including collective bargaining agreements) if it exceeds the minimum rate under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This directly affects workers engaged in commerce or production for commerce, ensuring they receive agreed-upon higher wages. The bill adds criminal penalties for willful wage theft, including fines and up to 5 years in prison for violations exceeding $1,000, with penalties based on severity and business size. It also directs fines collected from violations to fund the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division enforcement efforts. The law applies to unpaid wages or overtime violations occurring 90 days after enactment.