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HB 2248

Salaries and Benefits - As introduced, requires employers to pay employees an hourly wage of at least $20 beginning January 1, 2027, with annual adjustments by the commissioner of labor and workforce development based on increases in the consumer price index; establishes posting mandates, civil liability for violations, and a two-to-three-year statute of limitations for recovery actions. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 9; Title 13; Title 29; Title 47; Title 50; Title 57; Title 58; Title 65; Title 67 and Title 68.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

HB 2248 mandates Tennessee employers pay $20/hour minimum wage starting January 2027, with automatic annual inflation adjustments enforced through civil liability.

Action Def. in s/c Banking & Consumer Affairs Subcommittee to 3/18/2026
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Bill Summary · HB 2248

Legislative bill overview

HB 2248 would establish a statewide minimum wage of $20 per hour effective January 1, 2027, with automatic annual adjustments tied to inflation as determined by the state's labor commissioner. The bill creates employer posting requirements, establishes civil liability for violations, and gives employees a two-to-three-year window to pursue wage recovery claims.

Why is this important

This represents a significant increase from Tennessee's current minimum wage (tied to the federal $7.25/hour) and would affect millions of workers across the state. The automatic CPI adjustments would create a self-adjusting wage floor without requiring future legislative action, fundamentally altering labor costs for employers statewide and affecting purchasing power for low-wage workers.

Potential points of contention

  • Business cost impact: Small businesses, particularly in rural areas and service industries, may face substantial payroll increases; debate over whether $20/hour is economically sustainable across all regions and business sectors
  • Regional economic disparity: A uniform statewide wage ignores cost-of-living differences between urban centers (Nashville, Memphis) and rural areas, potentially causing disproportionate burden in less affluent regions
  • Inflation adjustment mechanism: Giving unelected bureaucrats (labor commissioner) authority to automatically increase wage floors bypasses legislative oversight and may create unpredictable recurring cost spikes for employers
  • Competitive disadvantage: Tennessee businesses may face disadvantages competing with neighboring states (Kentucky, Virginia, Georgia, North Carolina) with lower wage requirements

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

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