NC H868

Increases North Carolina's minimum wage to $9.00 per hour for large employers (annual gross sales of $500,000 or more) effective January 1, 2016.

Sets minimum wage at $7.75 per hour for small employers (annual gross sales below $500,000) effective January 1, 2016.

Establishes automatic annual cost-of-living adjustments beginning January 1, 2017, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) for the 12 months preceding the previous September 1.

Maintains existing exceptions for full-time students, learners, apprentices, messengers, and other special categories at 90% of the applicable rate or as established by the Commissioner.

Effective upon becoming law.