Bill > SB55

This bill, known as the "Dignity and Pay Act," seeks to eliminate the practice of paying subminimum wages to individuals with disabilities in Georgia. Specifically, the bill prohibits employers from using certificates issued by the U.S. Department of Labor under Section 214(c) of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act to pay workers with disabilities less than the federal minimum wage. The legislation provides a phased approach to implementation: employers with existing certificates as of July 1, 2025, will be allowed to continue using them with restrictions. From July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, these employers must pay individuals with disabilities at least half of the minimum wage, and after July 1, 2027, they must pay the full minimum wage. The bill removes previous provisions that allowed the Labor Commissioner to grant exemptions for subminimum wage payments based on considerations of employing people with disabilities who might otherwise struggle to compete in the job market. By eliminating these exemptions, the bill aims to ensure fair compensation for workers with disabilities and promote their economic dignity and inclusion in the workforce.

Business and Industry, Labor and Employment

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/69634