Bill > HB343

This bill, known as the Georgia Living Wage Act, comprehensively updates the state's minimum wage laws to establish a $20.00 per hour minimum wage for all workers, with annual increases tied to the cost of living as measured by the Consumer Price Index. The legislation eliminates previous exemptions for small businesses, domestic employees, students, and certain nonprofit organizations, and requires that gratuities and tips cannot be counted toward meeting the minimum wage requirement. The bill also introduces strong protections for workers, including a private right of action for employees to recover unpaid wages and a prohibition on employer retaliation, with potential criminal penalties and civil remedies for violations. Additionally, the bill mandates that inmates working in community or correctional settings must be paid at least the minimum wage, comparable to market rates for similar work, and removes previous allowances for deducting inmates' living costs from their wages. The law aims to support workers' basic needs, increase economic consumption, and ensure fair compensation across various employment sectors, with an effective date of January 1, 2026. The bill further prohibits employers from using federal certificates to pay workers with disabilities less than the minimum wage, reflecting a commitment to equitable compensation for all workers.

Labor and Employment

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70100