Bill > H353

This bill proposes significant changes to North Carolina's minimum wage law by gradually increasing the state's minimum wage from its current rate to $18 per hour by 2030, with specific annual increments: $10 in 2026, $12 in 2027, $14 in 2028, $16 in 2029, and $18 in 2030. After 2030, the minimum wage will be automatically adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures inflation and changes in the cost of living. The bill also strengthens wage recovery provisions by requiring courts to award attorneys' fees and costs in wage-related legal actions, and it allows employees to recover not just unpaid wages but also damages and benefits if an employer violates wage regulations. Employers found in violation can be liable for back wages, interest, and potentially liquidated damages, though courts may reduce damages if the employer can prove they acted in good faith. The bill aims to provide workers with more financial protection and ensure wages keep pace with economic changes, while also creating a clear mechanism for future minimum wage adjustments.

Government Affairs

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H353