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Bill

A 5731

Establishes a training wage equal to eighty-five percent of the state minimum wage or one hundred percent of the federal minimum wage

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Will Barclay and 5 co-sponsors

Bill A 5731 establishes a training wage at 85% of the state minimum wage or 100% of the federal minimum wage, encouraging employers to hire and train new workers.

REFERRED TO LABOR
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Bill Summary · A 5731

Summary of Bill A 5731

Bill Number: A 5731
Title: Establishes a training wage equal to eighty-five percent of the state minimum wage or one hundred percent of the federal minimum wage
Status: Referred to Labor
Introduced: February 20, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 5731 aims to establish a training wage for employees who are in training or apprenticeship programs. The intent of this legislation is to provide a structured wage framework that encourages employers to hire and train new workers, particularly in entry-level positions. By setting a training wage, the bill seeks to balance the need for fair compensation with the economic realities faced by employers when onboarding new employees.

Key Provisions

  • Training Wage Rate: The bill proposes a training wage that is set at:

    • Eighty-five percent of the state minimum wage, or
    • One hundred percent of the federal minimum wage, whichever is higher.
  • Applicability: This training wage would apply to employees who are engaged in training programs, apprenticeships, or similar employment situations where they are gaining skills and experience.

  • Duration of Training Wage: The bill does not specify the duration for which the training wage would apply, leaving it to be defined in subsequent regulations or guidelines.

Affected Parties

  • Employers: Businesses that hire employees for training purposes will be directly affected, as they will have the option to pay a lower wage during the training period.

  • Employees: New hires and trainees will be impacted by the establishment of a training wage, which may provide them with opportunities to enter the workforce at a reduced initial wage while they gain necessary skills.

  • Labor Organizations: Labor unions and workforce development organizations may have an interest in this bill, as it could influence wage standards and training practices within various industries.

Procedural Aspects

  • Current Status: As of February 20, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Labor Committee for further consideration.

  • Related Legislation: This bill is part of a series of related bills from prior sessions (A 4384, A 5359, A 6528, A 2863, A 2774, A 4339, A 988, A 4829, A 5594) that may address similar issues regarding wages and employment practices.

Conclusion

Bill A 5731 represents a significant step towards creating a more flexible wage structure for training positions in the workforce. By establishing a training wage, the bill aims to support both employers and new employees, fostering a more robust labor market while ensuring that trainees receive compensation during their skill development. Further discussions and evaluations by the Labor Committee will determine the bill's future and potential modifications.

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

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