The bill amends sections of the General Laws in Chapter 28-12, titled "Minimum Wages," to establish a series of increases to the minimum wage over the coming years. Commencing January 1, 2026, the minimum wage will increase annually by $1.50 until it reaches $24.00 per hour by January 1, 2031.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions regarding employees who receive gratuities, specifying that their cash wage will also increase significantly over the same period. Specifically, the cash wage will rise to at least $6.95 per hour by January 1, 2026, and will continue to increase as follows: to $8.95 per hour by January 1, 2027; to $10.95 per hour by January 1, 2028; to $12.95 per hour by January 1, 2029; to $14.95 per hour by January 1, 2030; and will be no less than the minimum wage established in section 28-12-3 by January 1, 2031.

These changes aim to ensure that employees in industries where gratuities are customary receive fair compensation that aligns with the overall minimum wage increases. The act is set to take effect upon passage.