MS SB2810

Establishes Mississippi state minimum wage at $7.50/hour (January 1, 2015), $7.75/hour (January 1, 2016), and $8.00/hour (January 1, 2017), with future increases tied to federal minimum wage increases plus 0.5%.

Exempts employers with fewer than 5 employees and those subject to federal Fair Labor Standards Act; excludes certain agricultural workers, students, independent contractors, and government employees from coverage.

Authorizes Mississippi Department of Employment Security to enforce the law through workplace inspections, record reviews, and sworn statements; establishes criminal penalties ranging from $100-$10,000 and up to one year imprisonment for wage violations depending on unpaid wage amounts.

Allows employees to sue employers for unpaid minimum wages and recover full wages owed plus attorney's fees; permits director to institute legal action to recover wages on behalf of employees.

Prohibits local municipalities and counties from setting minimum wages lower than the state minimum wage, preserving uniform wage standards statewide.