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Bill > SB1126


WI SB1126

WI SB1126
A state minimum wage, allowing the enactment of local minimum wage ordinances, and granting rule-making authority. (FE)


summary

Introduced
03/19/2026
In Committee
03/19/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
03/23/2026

Introduced Session

2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Currently, the state minimum wage law requires that employers pay the applicable minimum wage set in statute to their employees. Under that law, the current minimum wage for most employees is $7.25 per hour. This bill raises the minimum wage for most employees to $15 per hour three months after the effective date of the bill. Beginning one year after the bill’s effective date, the Department of Workforce Development is required to annually revise the minimum wage established under the bill by determining the percentage difference between the consumer price index for the preceding year and the consumer price index for the year before the preceding year, adjusting the minimum wage then in effect by that percentage difference, and rounding that result to the nearest multiple of five cents. However, DWD is not required to revise the general minimum wage if the consumer price index for the preceding year has not increased over the consumer price index for the LRB-6168/1 MIM:ajk 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 1126 year before the preceding year. DWD is required to publish the revised minimum wage in the Wisconsin Administrative Register and on DWD’s website. The bill also repeals 1) provisions establishing a separate, lower minimum wage for tipped employees; 2) a provision requiring DWD to promulgate rules governing the counting of tips or similar gratuities toward payment of the minimum wage; 3) provisions setting specific meal and lodging allowances; and 4) provisions establishing minimum wages for minor employees, opportunity employees, agricultural employees, and others. The bill requires DWD to establish by rule the minimum wage for those employees. Finally, current law prohibits a city, village, town, or county from enacting and administering an ordinance establishing a minimum wage. The bill eliminates that prohibition. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.

AI Summary

This bill raises the state's minimum wage to $15 per hour for most employees, effective three months after the bill is published, and eliminates previous provisions for lower minimum wages for tipped employees, minors, agricultural workers, and others, instead requiring the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) to establish these wages by rule. The DWD will also be responsible for annually adjusting the minimum wage based on changes in the consumer price index (CPI), which measures inflation, to ensure its value keeps pace with the cost of living, but will not adjust it if the CPI has not increased. Furthermore, the bill removes the current prohibition on local governments enacting their own minimum wage ordinances, allowing cities, villages, towns, and counties to set their own minimum wage rates, and clarifies that the CPI refers to a specific federal measure of inflation.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry

Sponsors (18)

Last Action

Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1 (on 03/23/2026)

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