Brief⁽¹⁾

H.B. 2049 would amend the Kansas Wage Payment Act to eliminate the requirement that employers submit a direct deposit "plan" for approval by the Secretary of Human Resources. The bill allows for the electronic deposit of wages based on an employee's written consent This bill also clarifies the statute of limitations for a "willful penalty" claim.

The Senate Committee of the Whole restored the language that was stricken regarding the effect of bankruptcy or court appeal on the calculation of the penalty on an employer.

Background

The bill was requested by the Secretary of Human Resources. The Chief Counsel for the Department testified in support of the bill. He said the bill would save several hours of staff time in the Department of Human Resources every week. Those resources would be redirected to review of other wage payment issues and other initial orders.

There is no fiscal impact.

1. *Supplemental notes are prepared by the Legislative Research Department and do not express legislative intent. The supplemental note and fiscal note for this bill may be accessed on the Internet at http://www.ink.org/public/legislative/bill_search.html.