NC H339

Increases North Carolina's minimum wage from $6.15 to $22.00 per hour effective January 1, 2026, with annual inflation adjustments beginning September 30, 2026

Requires paid sick leave accruing at 1 hour per 30 hours worked (up to 32 hours annually for small businesses, 56 hours for larger employers) and mandates equal pay for equal work regardless of sex

Raises maximum weekly unemployment benefits from $350 to $680, extends benefit duration to 26 weeks, and directs a study on coverage for gig economy workers

Prohibits public employers from inquiring about criminal history until after a conditional job offer ("ban the box") and repeals restrictions on public employee collective bargaining

Provides a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for state retirement system retirees effective July 1, 2025, funded by a $250 million General Fund appropriation