Idaho Payroll Laws (2024 Guide For Employers)

This article will answer the following questions about Idaho payroll laws:

• What are the minimum wage regulations in Idaho?
• How do meal periods and breaks work in Idaho?
• Are Idaho employees paid for jury duty?
• What are the time off and leave laws in Idaho?
• How quickly do employers need to report new hires?
• What are the child labor laws in Idaho?

Idaho has its own set of labor laws that govern different areas of the employer-employee relationship.

To stay compliant, it’s important to have a good knowledge of these laws and regulations.

Let’s explore the Idaho payroll laws and break some common misconceptions that often come up.

Disclaimer: Despite our best efforts to provide you with accurate information on this topic at the time of writing, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the content at the time of reading. This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific guidance on Idaho payroll laws.

Idaho Payroll Laws (Key Areas)

Idaho Hour Laws & Workweek Regulations (Key Insights)

In Idaho, the workweek is typically defined as a fixed period of 168 hours or seven consecutive 24-hour periods. The workday usually consists of 8 hours, but it can vary based on the employer’s policies and the specific industry. Idaho labor laws do not restrict the number of hours that an adult employee can work in a day or week, except in specific situations.

Pay Period & Wage Payment (How Does It Work?)

According to Idaho Code 45-608, employers must establish regular paydays and pay their employees at least once per month. Wages must be paid no later than 15 days following the end of the pay period. This means that employees should receive their wages on the next regularly scheduled payday.

Meal Breaks & Rest Periods (What Are The Laws?)

Idaho labor laws do not require employers to provide meal breaks or rest periods for employees who are 18 years or older. However, if an employer chooses to provide meal breaks, these periods must be at least 30 minutes and should be counted as hours worked if the employee is not completely relieved from duty.

Idaho Minimum Wage & Overtime Laws (What Are They?)

The Idaho minimum wage is currently $7.25 per hour, which is the same as the federal minimum wage. Employers must pay their employees at least the minimum wage for all hours worked. Some exemptions to the minimum wage requirements apply, such as tipped employees, salespeople, and certain agricultural workers.

Idaho follows the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) for overtime laws. Employees who work more than 40 hours in a workweek must be paid overtime pay at a rate of at least one and a half times their regular rate of pay. Some employees may be exempt from federal overtime laws, such as executive, administrative, and professional employees.

Child Labor Laws (What Are The Rules In Idaho?)

Idaho has specific child labor laws to protect minors in the workplace. These laws regulate the hours and conditions under which minors can work and also require employers to obtain work permits for minors. For more information on Idaho child labor laws, consult the Idaho Department of Labor website.

Leave Policies & Time Off (How Does It Work?)

Idaho employers are not required by state law to provide paid or unpaid vacation, sick leave, or personal leave. However, under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), eligible employees may take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for certain family and medical reasons. Employers should develop clear leave policies and ensure they comply with federal and state regulations.

Jury Duty & Other Leave Policies

There is no law requiring Idaho employers to pay employees while serving jury duty. Employees may use accrued leave or take leave without pay. Employers may require employees to provide a written request for jury duty leave.

Workers’ Compensation & Unemployment Insurance

Workers’ compensation is a state-mandated insurance program that provides benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. Idaho employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance to cover their employees.

Unemployment insurance is a state-administered program that provides temporary financial assistance to eligible workers who become unemployed through no fault of their own. Idaho employers must pay unemployment insurance taxes on their employees’ wages.

Wage Claims & Unpaid Wages

If an employee believes their employer has not paid them the wages they are entitled to, they can file a wage claim with the Idaho Department of Labor. The department will investigate the claim and may take action to recover the unpaid wages on the employee’s behalf.

Anti-Discrimination & Harassment Laws

Idaho employment law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. The Idaho Human Rights Commission enforces these anti-discrimination laws and investigates complaints filed by employees.

New Hire Reporting & Calendar Days of Employment

Idaho employers must report new hires to the Idaho Department of Labor within 20 calendar days of employment. This includes full-time, part-time, and temporary employees. Reporting new hires helps the state of Idaho locate non-custodial parents for child support enforcement and ensure compliance with other state and federal laws.

Time of Hiring & Required Notices

At the time of hiring, Idaho employers must provide employees with certain information, such as their rate of pay, regular payday, and any applicable deductions. Additionally, employers must inform employees about their workers’ compensation coverage and the name of their insurance carrier.

Layoff & Employee Rights (What Do You Need To Know?)

Idaho does not have specific state laws governing layoffs; however, federal law applies in cases of mass layoffs or plant closings. The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act requires employers with 100 or more full-time employees to provide at least 60 days’ notice before a mass layoff or plant closing affecting 50 or more employees at a single site of employment. In the event of a layoff, employees in Boise and other parts of Idaho should consult the Idaho Department of Labor for information on unemployment insurance and job search assistance.

Wage Rate & Pay Equity (How Does It Work?)

The state of Idaho strives to promote pay equity by prohibiting wage discrimination based on gender or other protected characteristics. Idaho employers must pay employees at the same wage rate for performing substantially similar work, regardless of their gender, race, color, religion, national origin, or other protected categories. Employers must periodically review their wage practices to ensure compliance with these pay equity laws.

Idaho Payroll Laws (Closing Thoughts)

With a core understanding of Idaho payroll laws, you can confidently navigate the complexities of these rules and regulations. By staying informed about both federal and state labor laws, employers can avoid potential legal issues and create a positive workplace culture for their employees.

Disclaimer: Not Legal Advice

This blog post provides a general overview of Idaho labor laws but does not constitute legal advice. Laws and regulations are subject to change, and there may be additional requirements or exemptions that apply to specific situations. Employers and employees should consult a qualified labor law attorney for advice on their specific circumstances.

If you have any questions about your rights or obligations as an employer or employee in Idaho, it is essential to consult with a labor law attorney to receive accurate information and guidance tailored to your situation. By seeking professional legal advice, you can ensure that you are taking the appropriate steps to comply with labor laws and protect your rights.

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