This bill seeks to eliminate the practice of paying tipped employees a lower base wage than the federal minimum wage. It amends the existing Minimum Wage Law by repealing and reenacting the introductory paragraph of RSA 279:21. The new language stipulates that no person, firm, or corporation may employ any employee at an hourly rate lower than the federal minimum wage, with certain exceptions as provided by statute. The bill is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

The fiscal note attached to the bill indicates that there is no immediate fiscal impact on state, county, or local budgets in terms of appropriations or expenditures. However, there could be an indeterminable increase in revenue from fines levied against employers who fail to comply with the new wage requirements. This potential increase in fines is expected to decrease over time as employers adjust to the new law. The Department of Labor does not anticipate any significant impact on its operational costs due to this bill. The fiscal effects, if any, are expected to occur after the fiscal year 2023.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 279:22