Don’t STEAL Act
Rep. Magaziner Introduces the Don't STEAL Act to Increase Jail Time for Wage Theft
The Don’t STEAL Act is currently in the early stages of the legislative process. It was recently sent to the House Committee on Education and Workforce for review. The bill is actively moving forward as it awaits further discussion by committee members.
Legislative Progress
The bill is sponsored only by Democrats and faces a tough path in a divided House, as it significantly increases criminal penalties on business owners.
Key Points
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Life & Work
Small business owners face a new layer of criminal liability for wage violations. While the bill requires courts to consider business size when setting fines, the prospect of up to five years in prison for willful violations over $1,000 raises the stakes significantly. Most compliant small businesses would not be affected, but those with payroll errors or tight margins could face outsized legal risk.
“The appropriateness of the penalty given the size of the business of the person convicted.”
Programs
Milestones
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
3 articlesMagaziner renews push to crack down on wage theft
Congressman Seth Magaziner has reintroduced the Don’t Stand for Taking Employed American’s Livings (Don’t STEAL) Act, which would make wage theft a felony nationwide. The bill increases penalties for employers who willfully fail to pay wages, overtime, or steal tips, bringing them in line with other forms of theft.
Associated Press·over 1 year agoMagaziner proposes tougher penalties for wage theft
Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.) introduced legislation that would make wage theft a felony nationwide. The Don’t STEAL Act would increase fines and potential jail time for employers who fail to pay overtime or distribute tips, aiming to create a federal deterrent against labor exploitation.
Magaziner hopes to crack down on wage theft nationwide
Rep. Seth Magaziner is introducing the Don’t Stand for Taking Employed American’s Livings (Don’t STEAL) Act to protect workers from 'bad actors' who deny overtime or steal tips. Magaziner noted it is 'outrageous' that stealing a television can lead to jail time while stealing wages often results in a slap on the wrist.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Don’t STEAL Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(24)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.