New York lawmakers want to increase penalties for wage theft in the state by adding it to the definition of larceny in the state's penal code. 

The measure, backed by state Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz, picked up the support of Democratic Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara.

“Wage theft is a violation of employees’ rights, and those who perpetrate this form of worker exploitation are often taking advantage of some of our communities’ most vulnerable members,” he said. “It’s criminal that some families may be facing wage theft even as they are already struggling through the economic hardship. This bill will ensure employers who engage in wage theft are held accountable. I’ll continue fighting for measures that keep more money in the pockets of hardworking New York families.”   

The bill is intended to help workers whose wages are not paid out or have not been fully paid, such as for overtime. Lawmakers who support the measure estmiate wage theft can account for $1 billion in New York alone and impact thousands of workers.