Bill > A05731

This bill proposes to establish a training wage for youth with no prior job experience, set at 85% of the state minimum wage or 100% of the federal minimum wage, whichever is less. The bill defines "youth" as individuals under 18 years old and "prior job experience" as previous employment recorded on an employer's payroll. Specifically, employers can pay this reduced training wage for a maximum of 180 days, with limitations that only 20% of their workforce (or no more than six employees) can receive this wage at any given location. Importantly, employers cannot use training wage employees to replace existing workers earning standard minimum wage. Additionally, youth receiving the training wage will be guaranteed an annual wage increase of 25% of the difference between the training wage and the state minimum wage until they turn 18. This legislation aims to provide employment opportunities for young workers while ensuring they are not exploited and have a pathway to earning full minimum wage.

Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5731