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Bill

SF 101

A bill for an act increasing the state minimum hourly wage and providing for subsequent increases by the same percentage as the increase in federal social security benefits.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Liz Bennett and 10 co-sponsors

SF 101 raises the minimum wage to $15/hour by July 2025, ensuring future increases align with social security benefits, boosting low-wage workers' earnings and spending power.

Subcommittee: Driscoll, Donahue, and Lofgren.
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Bill Summary · SF 101

Summary of SF 101: Minimum Wage Increase Bill

Bill Number: SF 101
Introduced On: January 22, 2025
Current Status: Subcommittee: Driscoll, Donahue, and Lofgren
Classification: Bill
Subject Areas: Cost of Living, Labor and Employment, Minimum Wage, Salaries and Wages, Social Security

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of SF 101 is to increase the state minimum hourly wage and establish a mechanism for future wage increases that align with federal social security benefits. This bill aims to enhance the economic well-being of workers by ensuring that the minimum wage keeps pace with inflation and cost-of-living adjustments.

Key Provisions

  1. Minimum Wage Increase:

    • The state minimum hourly wage will be set at $15.00 effective July 1, 2025.
    • For employees who have been with an employer for less than 90 days, the minimum wage will be $14.10 as of the same date.
  2. Annual Adjustments:

    • Starting July 1, 2026, the state minimum wage will be adjusted annually on July 1.
    • Adjustments will be based on the percentage increase in federal social security benefits authorized during the previous state fiscal year.
    • The bill stipulates that the minimum wage cannot be decreased under any circumstances.
  3. Wage for New Employees:

    • Employers are not required to pay the full state minimum wage until an employee has completed 90 calendar days of employment.
    • During this initial period, employees will receive a minimum wage of $5.30 (effective April 1, 2007), $6.35 (effective January 1, 2008), and $14.10 (effective July 1, 2025).

Impact

  • Affected Parties:

    • This bill will directly impact low-wage workers across the state, ensuring they receive a higher minimum wage.
    • Employers will need to adjust their payroll practices to comply with the new wage standards.
  • Economic Implications:

    • By tying wage increases to social security benefits, the bill aims to provide a stable and predictable wage growth mechanism that reflects the cost of living.
    • This could potentially lead to increased consumer spending as workers have more disposable income.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced and referred to the Workforce committee on January 22, 2025.
  • It is currently under consideration by a subcommittee consisting of members Driscoll, Donahue, and Lofgren.

This summary provides an overview of SF 101, highlighting its objectives, key provisions, and potential impacts on workers and employers within the state. The bill represents a significant step towards improving wage standards and addressing the cost of living for employees.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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