District Of Columbia § 32-131.12 - Enforcement and penalties.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 32-131.12 — Enforcement and penalties., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 32-131.12. Enforcement and penalties.
32-131.12An employee or similarly situated employees injured by a violation of this chapter shall be entitled to maintain a civil action or an administrative action.
When an administrative complaint is filed against any employer or other person alleged to have violated this chapter, a hearing by an administrative law judge shall be scheduled following the same procedure available in for a violation of [].
If an employer fails to allow an employee to use paid leave as required by this chapter, the employer shall pay $500 in additional damages to the employee for each accrued day denied, regardless of whether the employee takes unpaid leave or reports to work on that day.
Except as provided in , an employer who willfully violates the requirements of this chapter shall be subject to a civil penalty for each affected employee of $1,000 for the 1st offense, $1,500 for the 2nd offense, and $2,000 for the 3rd and each subsequent offense.
If the Mayor determines that an employer has violated any provision of this chapter, the Mayor shall order the employer to provide affirmative remedies including:
Back pay for lost wages caused by the employer’s violation of this chapter;
Reinstatement or other injunctive relief;
Compensatory damages, punitive damages, and additional damages as provided in subsection (b) of this section; and
Reasonable attorney’s fees and costs of enforcement.
An action may be maintained against any employer in a court of competent jurisdiction by any one or more employees for and on behalf of himself or themselves. An employer who violates the provisions of this chapter shall be liable to the employee or employees affected for:
Back pay for lost wages caused by the employer’s violation of this chapter;
Reinstatement or other injunctive relief;
Compensatory damages, punitive damages, and additional damages as provided in subsection (b) of this section; and
Reasonable attorney’s fees and costs.
Where compliance with this chapter or regulations enacted to implement this chapter is not forthcoming, the Mayor shall take any appropriate enforcement action to secure compliance, including initiating a civil action and, except where prohibited by another law, revoking or suspending any registration certificates, permits or licenses held or requested by the employer or person until the violation is remedied.
To compensate the District for the costs of investigating and remedying the violation, the Department of Employment Services may also order the violating employer or person to pay to the District a sum of not more than $500 for each day or portion thereof and for each employee or person as to whom the violation occurred or continued. The funds recovered by the District under this chapter shall be allocated to offset the costs of implementing and enforcing this chapter.
In any administrative or civil action brought under this chapter, the Mayor or court shall award interest on all amounts due and unpaid at the rate of interest specified in or .
Any money awarded to an employee under this chapter shall be enforceable by the employee to whom the debt is owed or may be collected by the District on behalf of the employee.
The administrative fines and penalties collected under this section shall be deposited into the Wage Theft Prevention Fund, established by .
Annotations
Applicability of : Section 7 of provided that the act shall apply as of October 1, 2014, and that the act shall apply to violations occurring after October 1, 2014.
Section 3 of was repealed by , § 7003, effective Feb. 26, 2015.
Applicability of : Section 3 of provided that the act shall apply upon the inclusion of its fiscal effect in an approved budget and financial plan, as certified by the Chief Financial Officer to the Budget Director of the Council in a certification published by the Council in the District of Columbia Register.
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 32-131.12
What does D.C. Code § 32-131.12 cover?
Section 32-131.12 ("Enforcement and penalties.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 32-131.12?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 32-131.12" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 32-131.12 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.