S.B. 120 Enrolled

PAYMENT OF WAGES AMENDMENTS
2003 GENERAL SESSION
STATE OF UTAH
Sponsor: Scott K. Jenkins
This act modifies provisions in the Labor in General Title related to prohibited
retaliation. This act makes technical changes.
This act affects sections of Utah Code Annotated 1953 as follows:
AMENDS:
34-28-19, as last amended by Chapter 52, Laws of Utah 1999
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
Section 1. Section 34-28-19 is amended to read:
34-28-19. Retaliation prohibited -- Administrative process -- Enforcement --
Rulemaking.
(1) (a) An employer violates this chapter if the employer [discharges an employee, or
threatens to discharge an employee] takes an action described in Subsection (1)(b) against an
employee because:
[(a)] (i) the employee [has filed] files a complaint or [testified] testifies in a proceeding
relative to the enforcement of this chapter;
[(b)] (ii) the employee is [about] going to file a complaint or testify in a proceeding
relative to the enforcement of this chapter; or
[(c)] (iii) the employer believes that the employee may file a complaint or testify in any
proceeding relative to the enforcement of this chapter.
(b) Subsection (1)(a) applies to the following actions of an employer:
(i) the discharge of an employee;
(ii) the demotion of an employee; or
(iii) any other form of retaliation against an employee in the terms, privileges, or
conditions of employment.
(2) (a) An employee claiming to be aggrieved by an action of the employer in violation
of Subsection (1) may file with the division a request for agency action.

(b) On receipt of a request for agency action under Subsection (2)(a), the division:
(i) shall conduct an adjudicative proceeding pursuant to Title 63, Chapter 46b,
Administrative Procedures Act; and
(ii) may attempt to reach a settlement between the parties through a settlement
conference.
(3) If the division determines that a violation has occurred, the division may require the
employer to:
(a) cease and desist any retaliatory action;
(b) compensate the employee, which compensation may not exceed reimbursement for,
and payment of, lost wages and benefits to the employee; or
(c) do both (3)(a) and (b).
(4) The division may enforce this section in accordance with Subsections 34-28-9 (3) and
(4).
(5) [The] In accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah Administrative Rulemaking
Act, the commission shall adopt rules, as required, to implement this section.

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