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Bill

Bill

A 9008

Authorizes equitable tip pooling structures for counter service restaurants that pay all employees at or above minimum wage

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Angelo Santabarbara

Bill A 9008 allows counter service restaurants to share tips among employees paid at or above minimum wage, promoting fairness and financial stability for workers.

REFERRED TO LABOR
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Bill Summary · A 9008

Summary of Bill A 9008

Bill Number: A 9008
Title: Authorizes equitable tip pooling structures for counter service restaurants that pay all employees at or above minimum wage
Status: Referred to Labor
Introduced: August 13, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 9008 aims to establish a legal framework for tip pooling in counter service restaurants that ensure all employees are compensated at or above the minimum wage. The bill seeks to promote fairness and equity in the distribution of tips among employees, thereby enhancing the working environment and financial stability for workers in the service industry.

Key Provisions

  • Equitable Tip Pooling: The bill authorizes counter service restaurants to implement tip pooling structures, allowing tips to be shared among employees. This is intended to create a more equitable distribution of gratuities received from customers.

  • Minimum Wage Requirement: To qualify for the tip pooling structure, all employees must be paid at or above the minimum wage. This provision ensures that employees are not reliant solely on tips for their income, promoting a more stable wage environment.

  • Employee Participation: The bill may include stipulations regarding employee consent and participation in the tip pooling arrangement, ensuring that all employees are informed and agree to the terms of the pooling.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Counter Service Restaurants: The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be counter service restaurants that choose to adopt the equitable tip pooling structure. This includes establishments where customers place orders at a counter and may not have traditional waitstaff.

  • Employees: All employees working in these restaurants, including cooks, cashiers, and other support staff, would be impacted by the new tip pooling arrangements. This could lead to increased earnings for employees who may not typically receive tips.

  • Customers: Customers may also be affected as the bill could change how tips are handled and distributed, potentially influencing their tipping behavior.

Procedural Aspects

  • Current Status: As of August 13, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Labor Committee for further consideration.

  • Next Steps: The bill will undergo discussions and potential amendments within the committee before it can proceed to a vote in the legislative assembly.

Conclusion

Bill A 9008 represents a significant step towards modernizing tip practices in the restaurant industry, particularly for counter service establishments. By allowing equitable tip pooling among employees who are paid at or above minimum wage, the bill aims to foster a fairer work environment and enhance the financial well-being of service workers. The outcome of this bill will depend on the discussions and decisions made within the Labor Committee.

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

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