HB 238: Minimum wage and overtime wages; payment, definitions, misclassification of workers, civil actions.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Labor and employment; payment of wages; minimum wage and overtime wages; misclassification of workers; prevailing wage rate; civil actions. Provides that an employer that violates provisions relating to minimum wage, overtime wages provisions, the misclassification of workers, or the prevailing wage rate is subject to civil actions for the applicable remedies, damages, or other relief available in an action brought pursuant to the civil action provisions currently available for the nonpayment of wages. Such provisions currently available provide that an employee may bring an action in a court of competent jurisdiction to recover payment of the wages, and the court is required to award the wages owed, an additional equal amount as liquidated damages, plus prejudgment interest thereon, and reasonable attorney fees and costs. Under current law, if the court finds that the employer knowingly failed to pay wages to an employee, the court is required to award the employee an amount equal to triple the amount of wages due and reasonable attorney fees and costs. The bill also prohibits an employer from taking certain retaliatory actions against an employee because the employee reports any information or allegation in good faith that, if true, amounts to a violation of any federal or state law or regulation to a supervisor, manager, or officer, or to any governmental body or law-enforcement official, including a report made in the ordinary course of the employee's employment, regardless of whether such report refers to a particular law or regulation.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 12

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. April 20, 2026Fiscal Impact statement From VCSC (4/20/2026 4:21 pm)
2. April 16, 2026Substitute bill reprinted 26110450D
3. April 14, 2026Fiscal Impact statement From VCSC (4/14/2026 12:41 pm)
4. April 13, 2026Governor's recommendation received by House
5. April 2, 2026Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB238)
6. March 31, 2026Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
7. March 31, 2026Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026
8. March 31, 2026Signed by Speaker
9. March 30, 2026Signed by President
10. March 30, 2026Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB238ER)
11. March 30, 2026Enrolled
12. March 23, 2026Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB238)

Showing 12 most recent of 40 actions. Full history