Signed by Governor Jim Justice, Jr.

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes employers to deduct the cost of unreturned equipment from an employee's final paycheck.

Highlights:

• Authorizes employers to deduct the actual replacement cost of employer-owned equipment that is not returned by an employee from such employee’s final paycheck (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that equipment must meet the following criteria in order to be subject to this statute (Sec. 1):

• The equipment was provided to the employee for use in the course of employment;

• The property is valued in excess of $100; and

• The employee has signed a statement agreeing to return the property and acknowledging that the replacement cost may be deducted.

• Requires employers to inform employees by certified mail of the replacement cost of such property and make a demand for its return, including a deadline by which return is expected (Sec. 1).

• Requires employers to return withheld wages to employees who return such property by the deadline specified in the notification (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text