Authorizing the circuit court to order a person who engages in discrimination in employment on the basis of military service to pay compensatory and punitive damages. (FE)

1. If the defendant employs 100 or fewer employees, no more than $50,000.

2. If the defendant employs more than 100 but fewer than 201 employees, no more than $100,000.

3. If the defendant employs more than 200 but fewer than 501 employees, no more than $200,000.

4. If the defendant employs more than 500 employees, no more than $300,000.

The bill requires DWD to annually revise these amounts based upon the change in the consumer price index in the previous year, if any positive change has occurred.

Under current law, employment discrimination on the basis of military service includes discriminating against an individual because the individual is or applies to be a member of the U.S. armed forces, the state defense force, the national guard of any state, or any reserve component of the U.S. armed forces or because the individual performs, has performed, applies to perform, or has an obligation to perform military service. Employment discrimination on the basis of military service, however, does not include refusing to hire, employ, or license an individual or barring or terminating an individual from employment or licensure because the individual has been less than honorably discharged from military service and the circumstances of the discharge substantially relate to the circumstances of the particular job or licensed activity.

Under current law, a person alleging discrimination in employment on the basis of military service may file a complaint with DWD seeking action that will effectuate the purpose of the employment discrimination law, including reinstating the complainant, providing back pay, and paying costs and attorney fees. Current law, however, does not authorize DWD to award compensatory or punitive damages to a complainant.