Assembly Bill 1158 proposes significant changes to Wisconsin's minimum wage laws, including the repeal of existing provisions and the establishment of new minimum wage rates for both large and small employers. The bill raises the minimum wage for non-tipped employees to $15 per hour for large employers upon its effective date, with incremental increases leading to a standard minimum wage of $20 per hour by 2030. For small employers, the minimum wage will also start at $15 per hour, but will increase at a slower rate, reaching the standard minimum wage by 2034. Tipped employees will see their minimum wage rise to $7.50 per hour for large employers and $6.50 for small employers, with similar incremental increases until 2031.

Additionally, the bill grants the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) the authority to adjust the minimum wage annually based on the consumer price index starting in 2031, ensuring that the minimum wage keeps pace with inflation. The legislation also removes the prohibition on local governments enacting their own minimum wage ordinances, allowing for greater flexibility at the local level. Other provisions, such as those governing the counting of tips towards minimum wage and specific allowances for meals and lodging, are repealed, with DWD tasked to establish rules for these areas.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 104.001, 104.01(5g), 104.01, 104.035