HARRISBURG – The state Senate Labor and Industry Committee unanimously approved Sen. Lisa Baker’s (R-20) electronic payroll modernization legislation, co-introduced by Sen. Nick Miller (D-14).
Senate Bill 581 provides employers the option to utilize either payroll cards or direct deposit for the electronic payment of their employees.
“This is not a new issue. The time has come for modernizing payroll delivery in Pennsylvania benefitting both employees and employers alike while offering important protections from fraud,” said Baker. “Last session, the Senate overwhelmingly passed the legislation and we’re hopeful the bill will advance to the governor’s desk this year.”
The legislation would provide employers with the option to pay employees electronically with a modern and secured method. Payroll cards provide strong consumer protections, offering employees the access to utilize banks, ATMs and online purchases with cash-back at a point of sale. In addition, the payroll cards will not overdraw or expire and include fraud protections consumers are familiar with.
“As technology continues to evolve, we need to improve existing payment options that make it easier for individuals to access their wages promptly and efficiently,” said Miller. “With living costs rising across the Commonwealth, we are working to improve affordability on multiple fronts. Ensuring timely and reliable wage distribution is one way we can ensure employees can access their hard-earned money in a timely fashion, especially during unexpected disruptions. I want to thank Sen. Baker for working together on this important initiative again this session and I look forward to the bill moving through the Senate with bipartisan support.”
CONTACT: Jennifer Wilson