EMPLOYMENT/WAGES-MINIMUM: Provides relative to the state minimum wage (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)

HB 209 establishes a phased increase to Louisiana's state minimum wage, starting at $10 per hour on January 1, 2027, rising to $12 per hour on January 1, 2029, and reaching $14 per hour on January 1, 2031. It requires all employers to pay these rates for hours worked, automatically adjusts the wage if the federal minimum exceeds it, and allows employees to sue for unpaid wages plus attorney fees and court costs. The bill excludes tipped employees, agricultural workers (per federal law), and student employees from coverage. Employers violating the law must pay the difference between what was paid and the required wage, and court clerks must report violations monthly to Louisiana Works, which will publish annual reports on violators to lawmakers.