Don’t STEAL Act
Term Dictionary
If you come across any unfamiliar words while reading, these resources can help make everything clearer. Pick whichever one works best for you!
- Congress.gov Legislative Glossary - Comprehensive congressional terms
- NVFC Congressional Terms Glossary - Concise, easy-to-understand definitions
The gist
The Don't STEAL Act makes willful wage theft a federal crime and guarantees workers get paid the full rate their contract or law promises.
Who wins, who loses
- Wins: hourly workers, tipped employees, teen workers, and unions fighting unpaid wages or stolen tips.
- Loses: employers who shortchange paychecks; small businesses worried about criminal exposure for payroll mistakes.
What it does
- Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) to require pay matching contracts, collective bargaining, or minimum wage, whichever is higher.
- Creates up to 5 years prison for willful wage theft over $1,000; up to 1 year for smaller amounts.
- Directs collected fines to the Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division for enforcement.
- Takes effect 90 days after enactment.
Why should I care?
Teen workers in fast food and retail are among the biggest targets of wage theft. Supporters say criminal penalties finally match the harm when bosses pocket paychecks. Critics argue 'willful' is vague and could criminalize honest payroll mistakes, hurting small businesses. Where do you land? Vote below and use "Tell Your Rep" to make sure your voice reaches Congress.