This bill amends the Wage and Hour Act in Nebraska by updating the minimum wage and introducing a youth minimum wage. The minimum wage will increase incrementally, starting at $15 per hour in 2026, with annual adjustments based on a specified percentage increase or the consumer price index. Additionally, the bill allows employers to pay a youth minimum wage of $13.50 per hour to employees aged 14 to 15 who are not emancipated minors.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the training wage provisions for new employees aged 16 to 17, allowing employers to pay a training wage for up to 180 days under certain conditions. The training wage will be set at $13.50 per hour until the end of 2026, after which it will be 75% of the applicable minimum wage. The bill also includes provisions to prevent employers from using the training wage to replace existing employees or reduce their hours. The original sections of the law being amended are repealed.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 48-1203, 48-1203.01