Democratic state legislators announced Wednesday they plan to reintroduce an equal pay act that aims to equalize pay for both men and women in the state.
It is currently illegal for an employer to pay different wages based on gender in the state of Wisconsin. The Equal Pay Enforcement Act would allow women who realize their employers are breaking the law to bring a lawsuit in state and federal court. Current law only allows people to sue in federal court.
Additionally, the act would allow women who have been discriminated against to seek punitive damages and legal fees in court.
The act was originally enacted in 2009, but was repealed during the last legislative session. While it was in effect, Wisconsin moved from 36th to 24th place among the states in terms of wage equality among genders.
The act will likely be reintroduced to the state legislature Thursday.
