HB 1320 Summary

• Establishes a state minimum wage starting at $10.00 per hour on January 1, 2026, increasing to $10.50 (2027), $11.00 (2028), and $12.00 (2029), with annual adjustments thereafter based on consumer price index increases.

• Sets a lower minimum wage for tipped employees that decreases over time: $3.00 per hour less than minimum wage (through 2025), $2.00 less (2026), $1.00 less (2027), and equal to minimum wage starting January 1, 2028, provided tips bring total compensation to at least minimum wage.

• Prohibits counties and municipalities from establishing their own minimum wage or mandatory leave requirements, reserving such authority for the state legislature to ensure uniform business conditions.

• Includes severability clause and applies prospectively only, not affecting rights or contracts entered into before the effective date of July 1, 2025.

• Brings forward nine existing Mississippi Code sections for possible amendment, including provisions on state auditor internships, election poll manager compensation, school employee leave policies, and criminal sentencing.