SB 2441 Summary

• Establishes Mississippi's first state minimum wage at $12.00 per hour beginning January 1, 2026, increasing to $15.00 per hour on January 1, 2028.

• Provides that the minimum wage automatically increases to match the federal minimum wage plus one-half of one percent whenever the federal rate increases.

• Exempts employers with fewer than 5 employees, agricultural workers under certain conditions, independent contractors, students, and government employees from minimum wage requirements.

• Authorizes the Mississippi Department of Employment Security to enforce the law through inspections, record-keeping requirements, and investigations, with penalties ranging from $100-$400 for administrative violations to felony charges with fines up to $10,000 and imprisonment for wage theft exceeding $2,000.

• Allows employees to bring civil lawsuits for unpaid wages and grants municipalities and counties authority to set minimum wages higher than the state rate.