Bill > SB11

This bill proposes significant changes to Kentucky's wage and employment laws by first increasing the threshold for retail stores and service industries from $95,000 to $500,000 in average annual gross sales, which means smaller businesses will now be exempt from certain wage regulations. More substantially, the bill incrementally raises the state minimum wage from its current rate to $15 per hour, with scheduled increases over several years: $10 initially, then rising to $11.50 in 2026, $12.50 in 2027, $14 in 2028, and finally reaching $15 in 2029. Additionally, the bill includes an important provision that allows local governments (such as cities, counties, and consolidated local governments) to establish minimum wage ordinances that exceed the state minimum wage, effectively giving municipalities more flexibility to set higher local wage standards. The bill also maintains existing provisions about tip credits for employees who regularly receive tips, allowing employers to pay a lower base wage if tips make up the difference, while ensuring employees still receive at least the federal minimum wage when tips and wages are combined.

Budget and Finance

https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/25RS/sb11.html