The bill S.67, introduced by Senators Clarkson, Gulick, Watson, and White, aims to increase the state minimum wage to a livable wage as defined by the basic needs budget. The legislative intent emphasizes the need to address affordability concerns by raising the minimum wage to $18.60, effective January 1, 2026, with future increases tied to either a five percent increment or the Consumer Price Index, whichever is smaller. The bill also establishes a new definition for "livable wage," which is based on the average hourly wage necessary for a full-time worker living in shared housing with employer-assisted health insurance.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to reflect these changes, including the deletion of the previous minimum wage rate of $12.55 and the insertion of the new livable wage figure. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, ensuring that the new wage structure is implemented in a timely manner.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 21-383, 21-384