Senate Bill 1190 and House Bill 1216 propose amendments to the Tennessee Code regarding minimum wage regulations. The bill introduces a new section, 50-2-116, which defines key terms such as "Commissioner," "Department," "Employ," "Employee," "Employer," and "Wages." It establishes that employers must pay employees at least the greater of the federal minimum wage or $20.00 per hour. Additionally, it mandates that employees working over 40 hours in a week must be compensated at a rate of one and one-half times their regular wage. Employers found in violation of these minimum wage requirements will be liable for unpaid wages, damages equal to those wages, and must also cover court costs and reasonable attorney fees for the employee.

The bill also stipulates that employees exempt under federal law (29 U.S.C. 213) will similarly be exempt from these state provisions. The Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development is tasked with promulgating rules to implement this section, ensuring alignment with the Fair Labor Standards Act. The act will take effect upon becoming law for rule promulgation purposes, while other provisions will be effective starting January 1, 2026.