HB185 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Ralph Howard

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

Employment wages, establishing minimum wage

Summary

HB185 would require Alabama employers to pay at least the higher of $10 per hour or the federal minimum wage, starting January 1, 2023.

What This Bill Does

The bill establishes a state minimum wage floor equal to the higher of $10 per hour or the federal minimum wage. It replaces the current rule that the federal minimum wage applies when there is no state minimum or when the state minimum is lower. It becomes effective three months after passage and governor approval, and if the federal minimum wage rises above $10, the higher rate would apply.

Who It Affects

• Employers in Alabama: must pay employees at least the higher of $10/hour or the federal minimum wage beginning in 2023.
• Employees in Alabama: will receive a guaranteed minimum wage that cannot be less than the higher of $10/hour or the federal minimum wage.

Key Provisions

• Section 1: Beginning January 1, 2023, employers shall pay employees a minimum wage of the higher of $10 per hour or the prevailing federal minimum wage.
• Section 2: This act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after its passage and governor’s approval, or when it becomes law by other means.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Employment