The proposed bill, HB2197, amends Arizona's employment practices by exempting minor league baseball players from statutory minimum wage and recordkeeping requirements. Under the new provisions, players who have contracts to play minor league baseball, are compensated according to a collective bargaining agreement that specifies their wages and working conditions, and receive compensation exceeding the statutory minimum wage will not be subject to the minimum wage laws or recordkeeping requirements typically mandated for employees. This exemption is justified by the unique nature of minor league baseball employment, which often includes non-wage benefits such as employer-paid housing and meals.

Additionally, the bill includes legislative findings supporting this exemption and establishes that it is an emergency measure, effective immediately upon passage. The bill also clarifies that the existing minimum wage and recordkeeping requirements do not apply to these players, ensuring that their overall compensation remains higher than what is typically required by law. The bill requires a three-fourths affirmative vote from both houses of the legislature for it to take effect.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 23-351, 23-364
House Engrossed Version: 23-364