NC H353

Raises North Carolina's minimum wage incrementally from $10.00/hour on January 1, 2026 to $18.00/hour by January 1, 2030

Indexes the minimum wage to inflation beginning January 1, 2031, with annual adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index calculated by the Commissioner of Labor each September 30

Changes attorney's fees from discretionary to mandatory in wage violation cases, requiring courts to award costs and reasonable attorney's fees to prevailing employees

Adds liquidated damages equal to unpaid wages owed, though courts may reduce or eliminate these if the employer demonstrates good faith

Maintains the higher-of standard between state minimum wage and the federal minimum wage under the Fair Labor Standards Act