AL HB279

Proposes constitutional amendment to establish Alabama state minimum wage at $9.80 per hour, implemented in three increments of $0.85 per hour: $8.10 on January 1, 2015; $8.95 on July 1, 2015; and $9.80 on January 1, 2016.

Sets tipped employees' minimum wage at 30 percent of the federal or state minimum wage (whichever is greater), provided they receive at least 70 percent of current minimum wage in gratuities; employers must make up any shortfall.

Requires automatic wage increases beginning January 1, 2020, and every three years thereafter based on the Consumer Price Index for Alabama as reported by the U.S. Department of Labor for the preceding July 1.

Mandates State Finance Director notify Alabama Department of Labor between October 1-15 annually of the cost-of-living adjustment percentage for the next three calendar years, with Department posting changes on its website to serve as notice to employers.

Prohibits employers from displacing employees to hire individuals at the new minimum wage rate; violating employers liable for unpaid wages plus interest, court costs, and reasonable attorney's fees, with three-year statute of limitations.