Bill Introduced to Allow Employers to Require Payment by Direct Deposit

On February 2, 2012, a bill was introduced (A2235) that would allow an employer to require that its employees receive their wages either by direct deposit or by a payroll debit card. Currently, an employer may pay its employees with a paper check, cash, or – only with the employee’s consent – by direct deposit or a payroll debit card. This bill will allow an employer to require payment by direct deposit or payroll debit card, in lieu of cash or a paper check. If signed into law, the bill also would require the employer, and not the employees, to pay any fees associated with the payment of wages by direct deposit or payroll debit card.