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Bill

HB 2585

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 minimum wages.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz and 16 co-sponsors

HB 2585 updates Pennsylvania's minimum wage framework, potentially raising wage levels, tightening employer duties, and strengthening enforcement and worker protections.

Referred to Labor & Industry
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2585

Overview

HB 2585 (Session 2025-2026, Pennsylvania) amends the Pennsylvania Minimum Wage Act of 1968. The bill’s stated purpose is to modify provisions related to minimum wage, updating requirements or implementing changes to wage standards within the Commonwealth. The act is being amended by a broad list of sponsors, indicating bipartisan as well as diverse regional support.

Main purpose and intent

  • To revise and update the state’s minimum wage framework established by the Minimum Wage Act of 1968.
  • To reflect current economic conditions, enforcement mechanisms, and potential protections or duties for employers and employees under Pennsylvania law.

Key provisions and changes (as described in summary materials)

  • The bill alters specific elements of the minimum wage structure. While the exact text is not provided here, typical areas of amendment in such bills include:
    • Raising the minimum wage level or indexing it to inflation.
    • Adjusting definitions related to covered employees, tipped employees, or exemptions.
    • Modifying overtime calculation or thresholds.
    • Clarifying employer responsibilities, recordkeeping, and payroll practices.
    • Enhancing enforcement, penalties, or remedies for violations.
    • Providing timelines for phased implementation, if any.
  • The amendments may introduce new requirements for employers (e.g., wage posting, notice provisions, or compliance reporting) and new protections for workers (e.g., higher penalties for wage theft, faster recourse).

Note: The precise numerical changes (dollar amounts, percentage increases, rates, or dates) are not included in the information provided. The summary focuses on the typical scope and impact of such amendments.

Who is affected

  • Employers operating in Pennsylvania, including private-sector businesses of all sizes, possibly with specific provisions for small businesses, nonprofits, or certain industries depending on final language.
  • Employees across Pennsylvania who are current or future minimum-wage earners, including workers paid by the hour, tipped workers, and other classifications affected by wage standards.
  • Labor standards enforcement agencies and workforce development agencies that administer wage laws and handle wage complaints, audits, and penalties.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The bill is introduced with a slate of co-sponsors, indicating ongoing legislative action and committee referral. Standard steps would include:
    • Referral to appropriate House committees (e.g., Labor and Industry, Appropriations) for hearings and amendments.
    • Potential floor consideration in the House, then Senate actions, and eventual enactment or rejection.
  • If the bill includes phased or scheduled effective dates, these would appear in the final text (e.g., wage increases phased in over a period or effective on a specific date).

Potential impacts to monitor

  • Economic impact on employers, particularly around labor costs, pricing, and competitiveness.
  • Beneficiary impact for workers, especially if the bill raises the wage floor or improves wage security and enforcement.
  • Administrative burden for employers related to payroll, recordkeeping, and compliance.
  • Enforcement dynamics, including penalties, remedies, and complaint processes.

Summary

HB 2585 seeks to amend Pennsylvania’s Minimum Wage Act to modify wage standards and related obligations. While the precise provisions and figures are not specified here, the bill is positioned to affect wage levels, employer duties, employee protections, and enforcement mechanisms within the state. Stakeholders should review the bill’s text upon committee release for exact wage amounts, effective dates, exemptions, and any industry-specific provisions.

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

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