The bill H. 3809 proposes to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding Section 41-1-125, which establishes a state minimum wage of seventeen dollars per hour, effective January 1, 2027. The Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation is tasked with notifying employers of this minimum wage before November 1, 2026. The bill also makes it unlawful for employers to fail to pay this minimum wage or to retaliate against employees who report violations.

Additionally, the bill outlines remedies for violations, allowing aggrieved individuals to file civil actions against employers, with provisions for recovering unpaid wages, economic damages, and attorney's fees. The Attorney General is authorized to enforce the law, which includes seeking injunctive relief and imposing fines for violations. A five-year statute of limitations is established for actions under this section, and it allows for class action lawsuits. The bill will take effect upon the Governor's approval.

Statutes affected:
01/28/2025: 41-1-125
Latest Version: 41-1-125