Bill would penalize employers who punish workers seeking unpaid wages

Employers who punish workers for seeking wages would commit a civil infraction. The provisions cover workers seeking wages under the wage laws named in the bill. The employer must act because the worker demanded wages or started or joined a wage recovery case. A civil fine could reach $5,000, depending on prior findings against the employer. An employer's action within 60 days of the worker's wage demand or case activity would count as initial evidence of retaliation. These provisions would take effect July 1, 2026.

An employer who knowingly or intentionally violates the wage payment rule cited in the bill would commit a civil infraction. The provision concerns pay owed to an employee or former employee under the wage payment law. The employer must knowingly or intentionally violate the cited wage payment rule. The civil fine could reach $5,000, depending on prior findings against the employer. The proposed penalty would take effect July 1, 2026.

Indiana would set compensation limits by date for covered job injuries and work-caused diseases. The limits cover qualifying job injuries and disability or death from work-caused disease. The listed amounts are maximum payments, not promised payments. The total payment limit for a job injury excludes medical benefits. The proposed schedules begin with injuries, disability, or death on or after July 1, 2026; the final listed schedule begins July 1, 2031.

Indiana would calculate weekly unemployment benefits from past wages and apply a $514 limit. This calculation covers initial unemployment claims filed for weeks beginning after June 30, 2026. The person must be eligible, fully unemployed, and properly claim the week. The payment uses wages from the person's highest earning quarter. A separate payment for qualifying dependents can add to the $514 limit. The calculation would apply to initial claims filed for weeks beginning after June 30, 2026.

Indiana would pay eligible unemployment claimants an extra $50 a week for each qualifying dependent. Qualifying dependents include certain children and an unemployed spouse who cannot get Indiana benefits because of insufficient past wages. The extra payment cannot exceed $150 a week. A stepchild receiving temporary assistance to needy families does not count. A child placed for adoption must meet support rules when claimed as an adoption placement, and an adult child with a disability must meet support rules. A child under court-appointed guardianship can qualify without that support test. The extra payment would apply to initial claims filed for weeks beginning after June 30, 2026.