MS SB2335

Establishes a state minimum wage starting at $12.00 per hour on January 1, 2021, increasing to $15.00 per hour on January 1, 2023, with automatic increases tied to federal minimum wage adjustments.

Applies to employers with 5 or more employees; excludes agricultural workers, government employees (except public schools), students, independent contractors, and certain other categories specified in the bill.

Provides criminal penalties including fines of $400-$10,000 and imprisonment up to one year for violations, with penalties scaled based on amount of unpaid wages owed to employees.

Allows employees to pursue civil action against employers for unpaid minimum wages with recovery of full wages owed plus attorney's fees and costs, and grants the Department of Employment Security enforcement authority.

Permits municipalities and counties to set minimum wages higher than the state rate; amends existing law to clarify they cannot set rates lower than the state minimum.