Assembly Bill 1169 proposes significant changes to Wisconsin's minimum wage laws. The bill raises the minimum wage for most employees from the current $7.25 per hour to $15 per hour, effective three months after the bill's enactment. Additionally, it mandates that the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) revise the minimum wage annually based on the consumer price index, with specific guidelines for rounding and publication. The bill also repeals existing provisions that establish a lower minimum wage for tipped employees and other specific categories, transferring the authority to set minimum wages for these groups to the DWD through rule-making.

Furthermore, the bill removes the prohibition against local governments enacting their own minimum wage ordinances, allowing cities, towns, and counties to establish higher minimum wages if they choose. It also amends the title of a related statute and includes new definitions and provisions regarding the calculation of the minimum wage. The changes aim to create a more equitable wage structure while providing flexibility for local jurisdictions to address their specific economic conditions.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 104.001, 104.01(5g), 104.01, 104.01(7m), 104.035, 104.045(title), 104.045, 104.045(1)