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 preemption.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jarrett Coleman and 1 co-sponsor

Clarifies state preemption of local minimum wage rules, creates a Minimum Wage Advisory Board, and sets targeted rates for learners and apprentices.

Referred to Labor & Industry

Overview

SB 1395 (2025-2026 Session, Pennsylvania) proposes amendments to The Minimum Wage Act of 1968. The core focus is on clarifying and updating the act’s preemption provisions, with a small expansion related to minimum wage applicability for learners and apprentices and the creation of a Minimum Wage Advisory Board. The bill was introduced on June 26, 2026, and referred to the Senate Labor and Industry Committee.

Main purpose and intent

Reaffirm and refine the act’s preemption of local wage standards, ensuring state-level minimum wage rules supersede local ordinances in most cases.

Provide a framework for state-level governance and oversight of minimum wage matters, including potential advisory input and targeted wage rate considerations for learners and apprentices.

Key provisions and changes

Preemption clarification (Section 14.1):

Subsection (a): The act primarily preempts and supersedes local ordinances or rules addressing minimum wage matters, with limited exceptions.
Subsection (b): Exceptions to preemption allow local regulation under two conditions: 1) A municipality may continue local wage regulation if its ordinance was adopted before January 1, 2006 and remained in effect as of that date. 2) A county may regulate locally after the effective date of the subsection (i.e., after enactment).

Learners and apprentices:

The bill text indicates the act would include provisions for minimum rates specifically for learners and apprentices. The exact rate levels are not provided in the summary excerpt and would be found in the bill’s full text.

Advisory and administrative structure:

The act would create a Minimum Wage Advisory Board and define its powers and duties. While the summary does not specify the board’s exact responsibilities, typical roles would include providing guidance on wage standards, exemptions, and implementation issues.

Implementation timing:

The act includes an effectiveness provision, taking effect 60 days after enactment.

Who is affected

Employers: Subject to Pennsylvania-wide minimum wage requirements and any state-level rules established under the act; local wage ordinances may be superseded, except where permitted by the preemption exceptions.

Local governments: Generally preempted from setting wage standards, except for pre-2006 municipal ordinances or post-enactment county regulations as permitted.

Learners and apprentices: Covered by specific minimum rate provisions, which would set or guide pay levels for training positions.

Minimum Wage Advisory Board: Created to advise on wage policy, impact assessments, and related administrative matters; its duties and composition would shape state guidance and potential rulemaking.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction date: June 26, 2026.

Referral: Referred to the Senate Labor and Industry Committee.

Effective date: 60 days after enactment.

Next steps: If passed, the act would become law with the new preemption framework, wage provisions for learners/apprentices, and the new advisory board functioning to guide implementation and policy.

Notes

The summary reflects the bill’s stated intent to adjust preemption and add advisory structure, with specific minimum wage rates for learners and apprentices to be detailed in the full text.

For a precise understanding of rates, board composition, and the full scope of the advisory board’s powers, the complete bill text and any fiscal notes or committee reports would be needed.