House Bill No. [insert bill number] proposes an increase in the minimum wage in Montana by amending Section 39-3-409 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA). The bill raises the minimum hourly wage from $6.15 to $12.06, excluding the value of tips and special provisions for a training wage. Additionally, it establishes a mechanism for annual cost-of-living adjustments based on the consumer price index, ensuring that the minimum wage keeps pace with inflation. The new wage amount will be rounded to the nearest five cents and will take effect on January 1 of the following year after the adjustment is calculated.

Importantly, the bill removes the existing provision that set a minimum wage of $4 per hour for businesses with annual gross sales of $110,000 or less. This change aims to ensure that all workers receive a fair minimum wage regardless of the size of the business. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 39-3-409
HB0484_1(1): 39-3-409
HB0484_1(2): 39-3-409
HB0484_1: 39-3-409