HB 2561: Employee protections; minimum wage and overtime wages, civil actions, misclassification of workers.

Official summary

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

Employee protections; minimum wage and overtime wages; civil actions; misclassification of workers. Provides that an employer that violates minimum wage or overtime wages provisions is liable to the employee 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, and such actions are required to be commenced within three years after the cause of action accrued. The bill also increases from 300 days to two years the amount of time a complainant has to file an allegation of discriminatory practice with the Office of Civil Rights of the Department of Law alleging a violation of the Virginia Human Rights Act or federal statutes governing discrimination in employment that also falls under the jurisdiction of the Virginia Human Rights Act. Additionally, the bill provides that a civil action brought by an individual against his employer for failing to properly classify the individual as an employee under current law shall be commenced within three years after the cause of action accrued.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 4

“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 2, 2025House sustained Governor's veto
2. March 24, 2025Vetoed by Governor
3. March 11, 2025Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., March 24, 2025
4. March 11, 2025Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 11, 2025
5. March 10, 2025Signed by President
6. March 7, 2025Signed by Speaker
7. March 7, 2025Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB2561)
8. March 7, 2025Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB2561ER)
9. March 7, 2025Enrolled
10. February 19, 2025Passed Senate (21-Y 19-N)
11. February 19, 2025Read third time
12. February 18, 2025Passed by for the day

Showing 12 most recent of 26 actions. Full history