SB 531 - Upon voter approval, beginning January 1, 2015, this act raises the minimum wage from $7.50 to $10.00. The minimum tipped wage is also increased from 50% to 60% of the minimum wage. The act specifies that the cost of living adjustment applies each year regardless of whether the statutory minimum or federal minimum is used.
The act increases a penalty for paying lower than minimum wage from the full amount of the wage rate to twice that amount as liquidated damages and lengthens the statute of limitations for bringing a claim from 2 to 3 years.
CHRIS HOGERTY