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HB 353

EMPLOYMENT/WAGES-MINIMUM: Provides relative to the state minimum wage (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tammy Phelps

Louisiana bill would increase the state minimum wage above the current $7.25 federal rate, affecting tens of thousands of workers and business labor costs statewide.

Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Labor and Industrial Relations.
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Bill Summary · HB 353

Legislative bill overview

HB 353 would modify Louisiana's state minimum wage, though the specific increase amount or implementation details are not yet available in the bill's current form. The bill has been referred to the Committee on Labor and Industrial Relations for review and is in early legislative stages.

Why this is important

Louisiana's minimum wage is currently tied to the federal minimum of $7.25 per hour, unchanged since 2009. Any increase would directly affect wages for approximately 50,000+ Louisiana workers in low-wage jobs and could influence state labor costs, business competitiveness, and household income levels across the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Business compliance costs: Employers, particularly small businesses with thin profit margins, may face increased payroll expenses and operational costs that could affect hiring decisions or prices
  • Regional economic variation: Louisiana has significant differences in cost of living between urban and rural areas; a statewide minimum may not reflect these disparities equally
  • Economic competitiveness: Higher labor costs could influence whether businesses relocate to or expand in Louisiana compared to neighboring states with lower minimums

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

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