Senate Bill No. proposes a constitutional amendment to establish a state livable wage in Louisiana, mandating that all employers pay their employees a minimum wage of $10.25 per hour starting January 1, 2027. The bill includes provisions for annual adjustments to the livable wage based on the rate of inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index. Additionally, it outlines specific exemptions for certain groups, including employees under the age of sixteen, employees of small businesses with annual gross receipts of $300,000 or less, tipped employees, family members of business owners, and individuals with mental or physical disabilities.
The proposed amendment will be submitted to voters during the statewide election scheduled for November 3, 2026. If approved, the amendment will add Article XII, Section 18 to the Louisiana Constitution, detailing the requirements and exceptions related to the state livable wage. The bill aims to ensure fair compensation for workers while allowing for necessary flexibility for certain employers and circumstances.