Employees, Employers - As introduced, increases the hourly minimum wage to $20.00, or the federal minimum wage established pursuant to the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, whichever rate is greater. - Amends TCA Title 8, Chapter 23; Title 12, Chapter 4, Part 4 and Title 50, Chapter 2.

HB 1216 would increase Tennessee's minimum wage to $20.00 per hour or the federal minimum wage (whichever is higher), directly affecting most hourly workers and their employers across the state. Key provisions include requiring overtime pay at 1.5 times the regular rate for hours over 40 per week, allowing employees to sue employers for unpaid wages plus court costs and attorney fees, and aligning enforcement with federal Fair Labor Standards Act rules. The bill would take effect January 1, 2026, if passed, but failed in its subcommittee on March 19, 2025. It does not apply to workers already exempt under federal law.