HB279 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Darrio Melton

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Pebblin W. WarrenDexter GrimsleyLawrence McAdoryJuandalynn GivanBerry ForteChris EnglandLaura HallNapoleon BracyArtis McCampbellDavid ColstonOliver RobinsonJohn W. RogersThomas JacksonBarbara Bigsby BoydMary MooreRod ScottMerika Coleman

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Wages, establish the Alabama Minimum Wage Act, to set the state minimum wage, provide for a cost of living increase, const. amend.

Summary

HB279 would amend the Alabama Constitution to set a state minimum wage of $9.80 per hour by 2016 in three steps, add CPI-based increases every three years starting in 2020, protect tipped workers, require posting of wage changes, and prohibit displacing workers to hire at the new wage.

What This Bill Does

It creates a constitutional minimum wage of $9.80 per hour by 2016, reached through three scheduled increases. It protects tipped workers by setting a floor that cannot drop below 30% of the minimum wage and allows tip credits to meet the wage if gratuities reach at least 70% of the current minimum. It mandates CPI-based wage increases every three years starting in 2020, with the State Finance Director notifying the Department of Labor of the adjustment percentage and the Department posting changes on its website; it also enforces penalties for wage violations and preserves workers' right to bargain collectively.

Who It Affects

• Employees in Alabama, including tipped workers, who would receive a guaranteed minimum wage and wage protections.
• Employers in Alabama, who must pay at least the new minimum wage, avoid displacing workers to hire at the new wage, post wage changes, and face penalties for violations.

Key Provisions

• Establishes a minimum wage of $9.80 per hour in three increments, reaching $9.80 on January 1, 2016 (8.10 on Jan 1, 2015; 8.95 on Jul 1, 2015).
• Tipped employees' wages may not fall below 30 percent of the minimum wage, provided gratuities reach at least 70 percent of the current minimum wage; any shortfall can be made up with a tip credit.
• Starting January 1, 2020, and every three years thereafter, the minimum wage increases based on the Alabama CPI; the State Finance Director must notify the Department of Labor of the adjustment percentage, and the Department must post changes on its website.
• Employers must keep a posted summary of the amendment and wage orders in a conspicuous place on the business premises.
• Violations can result in payment of unpaid wages plus interest, court costs, and attorney's fees; actions must be filed within three years.
• The amendment does not prevent employees from exercising collective bargaining rights to secure higher wages.
• The proposal requires voter approval as a constitutional amendment and describes the ballot language for the election.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Constitutional Amendments