Governor Meyer Enacts Legislation on Pay Transparency and Unlicensed Bodywork Establishments
State of Delaware - On Friday, September 26, Governor Matt Meyer signed two new pieces of legislation into law. House Bill 105 will mandate pay transparency in job postings, while House Bill 136 will increase enforcement against unlicensed massage and bodywork businesses.
House Bill 105, which was sponsored by Rep. Melanie Ross Levin and Sen. Laura Sturgeon, will require most employers in Delaware to include salary or wage ranges and a description of benefits in all public and internal job postings. The new requirements are scheduled to take effect two years after the bill's signing.
"Inequities in pay in Delaware are real, and I truly appreciate Rep. Ross Levin and Sen Sturgeon's leadership on this issue," Governor Matt Meyer said.
Supporters of the bill believe it will create a more equitable hiring process for workers.
"Across the country, pay transparency is becoming the norm, and today, Delaware is joining that progress," Rep. Melanie Ross Levin said. "This legislation empowers workers to advocate for fair pay, builds trust between employers and employees, and helps to strengthen our economy so it works for everyone. I want to thank Governor Meyer for his leadership in signing this important bill into law."
"For too long, job seekers have entered interviews without knowing the most important detail: what the job pays," said Sen. Laura Sturgeon, the Senate sponsor. "By prioritizing salary transparency, we are empowering applicants to make informed decisions, negotiate fairly, and ensure businesses are actively addressing pay disparities. By shining a light on compensation practices, we are taking a meaningful step toward equity and stronger opportunities for all Delawareans."
The second bill signed, House Bill 136, was also sponsored by Rep. Levin, alongside Sen. Nicole Poore. This law aims to strengthen actions against unlicensed massage and bodywork establishments by requiring a clear placard to be posted at the entrance of any business found to be operating without a valid license. Removing the notice will be a Class A misdemeanor.
"Consumers deserve to know that the businesses they visit are operating safely and legally," said Governor Matt Meyer. "This law makes it clear when a business is not properly licensed and helps protect public health and community safety across Delaware."
"People should be able to make safe choices when visiting massage and bodywork establishments, and that starts with knowing the businesses you frequent are properly licensed," said Sen. Nicole Poore. "This legislation holds these businesses accountable and puts the priority back towards the consumer. This is a straightforward way to protect Delawareans and support honest, licensed professionals across our state. I am thankful for Rep. Levin's leadership on this bill, and grateful to Gov. Meyer for signing HB 136 into law."
