HB2197 is an emergency measure that seeks to exempt minor league baseball players from Arizona's statutory minimum wage and recordkeeping requirements. The bill specifies that players who have entered into a contract to play minor league baseball, are compensated according to a collective bargaining agreement that provides for their wages and working conditions, and are compensated in a manner that exceeds the state's minimum wage requirements, would not be subject to the state's minimum wage laws or the associated recordkeeping requirements concerning hours worked.

The bill includes legislative findings that recognize the unique nature of playing minor league baseball and the benefits players receive under their collective bargaining agreements, such as employer-paid housing and meals. It asserts that exempting employers of minor league baseball players from certain state wage and recordkeeping requirements will ensure that players can continue to be compensated at a level higher than the minimum wage and in a manner that supports their well-being and that of their families. The act requires a three-fourths affirmative vote from each house of the legislature to be effective and contains an emergency clause for immediate operation.

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