On March 18, 2019, Idaho Governor Brad Little signed legislation (H.B. 113) extending the time in which a claim for unpaid wages could be made to the Idaho Department of Labor, or in District Court. Idaho workers who have been paid, but not paid in full, were required to make a claim within six months or lose the right to recover unpaid wages. This change to the law extends the time period to make a claim to 12 months effective on July 1, 2019.

The legislative Statement of Purpose RS26623 said, ”This six month limitation is unduly short and many workers may not be aware that wages are owed, or how to recover, within this short period of time. Federal law allows a two-year statute of limitations for unpaid wages. The Idaho Department of Labor can investigate and recover claims of $5,000 or less. If the claim exceeds that amount, the claimant is referred to a private attorney.”  

The Statement further noted, “The Idaho Department of Labor currently has 916 open claims. Approximately 70 percent of these open claims are for partial unpaid wages or additional wages owed. The Department receives an average of six new claims each day. Current unpaid wage claims filed with the Idaho Department of Labor are estimated to be worth $1.5 million ($1,448,435). Through December 2018, collections resulted in an approximate recovery of $373,340. During November and December of 2018, Department staff collected $40,165 for 91 claims.”

The bill was passed the Idaho House on 3rd reading by a vote of 32 to 0.

• Read the entire legislation here.

Source: Idaho Legislature website, House Bill 113