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Bill

HB 1331

Georgia Minimum Wage Law; minimum wage pay to workers whose compensation consists wholly or partially of gratuities; provide

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Eric Bell and 5 co-sponsors

HB 1331 would require Georgia employers to pay tipped workers a higher base minimum wage instead of relying on tips to meet wage standards.

House Second Readers
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Bill Summary · HB 1331

Legislative bill overview

HB 1331 proposes to establish a minimum wage requirement for workers whose compensation includes gratuities (tips). Currently, Georgia follows the federal tipped minimum wage of $2.13/hour, allowing employers to pay below the standard minimum wage if tips make up the difference. This bill would require employers to pay a higher base wage to tipped workers, regardless of tip income.

Why is this important

Tipped workers—including servers, bartenders, and hospitality staff—represent a significant portion of the workforce and have historically experienced wage volatility and financial instability. This bill addresses whether employers should bear primary responsibility for minimum compensation or whether tips should be counted as guaranteed income. The outcome affects both worker economic security and business operating costs in Georgia's hospitality industry.

Potential points of contention

  • Business impact: Restaurants and bars operating on thin margins may face increased labor costs, potentially leading to higher menu prices, reduced hiring, or reduced hours for workers
  • Tip structure concerns: Raising base wages may paradoxically reduce customer tipping behavior, leaving workers' total compensation uncertain
  • Competitive disadvantage: Georgia businesses could face higher labor costs than neighboring states with lower tipped minimum wages, potentially affecting competitiveness and job location decisions

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

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