California Governor Jerry Brown signed a bill that revised the state labor law and provides additional protections to workers by allowing them more time to seek liquidated damages when claims against an employer for failure to pay minimum wage 

Recovery of Wages: Liquidated Damages

Also called "Recovery of Wages: Liquidated Damages," AB 2074 was carried by Assemblyman Roger Hernandez of West Covina, and brings parity between the statute of limitations for minimum wage claims and the statute of limitations for liquidated damages on those claims. AB 2074 amends Section 1194.2 of the Labor Code (Labor Code 1194.2) relating to employment and in any action under Section 98, 1193.6, 1194 or 1197.1 seeking wage recovery for minimum wage violations, an employee may recover liquidated damages in an amount equal to the wages unlawfully unpaid, according to the bill.

"AB 2074 holds companies accountable for wage theft and simplifies the process for recovering illegally held wages," Hernandez commented about his bill. "AB 2074 only targets businesses who fail to follow the law. It is crucial that we protect the rights of our lowest paid workers, prevent abuse and curb labor law violations in California."

The measure gained support from several labor groups, including the California Labor Federation, Unite Here, and the California Federation of Teachers. No opposition was officially filed.

Why The Change To Labor Code Section 1194.2

Prior to AB 2074's passage, there was no prescribed statute of limitations for a claim of liquidated damages under Labor Code section 1194.2. Analysis of the bill on California's Legislative Information System suggests that the bill was needed to clarify the period to file suit for liquidated damages because at least one California Court of Appeal had found a one year statute of limitations for such claim. Legislators resolved the split among the courts on whether to apply the three-year statute of limitations for unpaid wages or the one-year statute of limitations for penalties only, by expressly providing for the same three-year expiration.

Under the bill, if the employer shows that it acted in good faith and that it had reasonable grounds for believing its conduct was not a violation of minimum wage requirements, the court or California Labor Commissioner has the discretion to refuse to award liquidated damages.

What AB 2074 Means To Employers And Employees

Given the ongoing changes to California's minimum wages, employers should make sure they adjust employees' wages accordingly. Employers should confirm they are paying their employees the correct wages, including the minimum wage and overtime. In California, almost all employees must be paid at least the minimum wage rate - the new rate of $15.50 per hour went into effect on January 1, 2023, however there are some employees such as outside salespersons, who are exempt from the minimum wage laws.

Just as important, make sure your employees are properly classified as exempt or non-exempt from overtime laws in accordance with the law. Otherwise, Assembly Bill 2074 may allow employees to bring claims for liquidated damages for minimum wage violations occurring right now. To discuss this topic in further detail please feel free to contact leading California employment lawyers at Kingsley & Kingsley Lawyers. Call us at (818) 990-8300 or click here to contact us.