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 new minimum wage by 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. It outlines remedies for violations, including the recovery of unpaid wages and attorney's fees, and allows for civil actions to be brought by aggrieved individuals or by the Attorney General.

Additionally, the bill stipulates a five-year statute of limitations for actions related to violations of this section and permits such actions to be pursued as class actions under state law. The Attorney General is empowered to enforce the provisions of this section, which may include seeking injunctive relief and imposing fines for violations. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor.

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