HB 23
An Act amending the act of January 17, 1968 (P.L.11, No.5), known as The Minimum Wage Act of 1968, further providing for definitions and for minimum wages; providing for eligibility and coverage; further providing for exemptions, for duty of employer, for enforcement and rules and regulations and for civil actions; and repealing provisions relating to preemption.
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Sign in to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill amends Pennsylvania’s existing Minimum Wage Act of 1968 to increase the state’s minimum wage. It establishes a phased-in increase, starting at $15 per hour in 2026 and rising by $1 each year until it reaches a ‘living wage’ based on the cost of living in each county. The bill also clarifies definitions related to wages and gratuities, addresses tipped employee wages, and removes a provision related to preemption. It expands coverage to include domestic workers, agricultural workers, incarcerated workers, workers with disabilities, and marketplace contractors.
Key provisions
- Increases the minimum wage to $15 per hour starting July 1, 2026, with annual increases until a living wage is reached.
- Establishes a ‘living wage’ based on the cost of living in each county, indexed to the Consumer Price Index.
- Clarifies the definition of ‘wages’ to include compensation paid in various forms, such as board, lodging, and other facilities.
- Addresses gratuities paid to tipped employees, abolishing the sub-minimum cash wage and outlining rules for tip pooling.
- Expands coverage of the minimum wage to include domestic workers, agricultural workers, incarcerated workers, workers with disabilities, minors, and marketplace contractors.
- Removes a preemption provision, allowing local regulations that were in place before January 1, 2006, to remain.
- Requires employers to maintain accurate records of employee hours and wages.
- Provides a mechanism for employees to recover unpaid minimum wages and unlawfully withheld gratuities.
Who is affected
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Christopher Rabb
Cosponsors
G. Roni Green
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yours