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 the livable wage reported by the Joint Fiscal Office in January 2025. Future adjustments to the minimum wage will continue to follow the current law's guidelines.

Key amendments in the bill include the definition of "livable wage" as the average hourly wage necessary for a full-time worker living in shared housing with employer-assisted health insurance to meet basic needs. The bill proposes that starting January 1, 2026, the minimum wage will be set at $18.60, replacing the previous rate of $12.55. Additionally, the minimum wage will be adjusted annually by either five percent or the percentage increase of the Consumer Price Index, whichever is smaller, ensuring it does not decrease. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

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