Small business wage protections passed

Senators passed a bill March 24 that expands state wage discrimination protections.

The provisions of LB83, originally introduced by Omaha Sen. Tanya Cook, were replaced by a provision of LB928, originally introduced by Omaha Sen. Heath Mello.

The bill removes a small business exemption—applicable to employers of less than 15 people—from the state’s equal pay statute, which requires equal pay for equal work without consideration of an employee’s gender.

The bill passed on a 32-11 vote.