Relating to the minimum wage and a requirement for a biennial study and report on the living wage in this state, expanding access to childcare, and providing paid parental leave.

HB 5598 would increase the state's minimum wage, require a biennial study and report on the living wage (a wage sufficient to cover basic living expenses), expand access to state childcare assistance programs, and establish a paid parental leave program for eligible workers. These provisions would directly affect low-wage workers, families with young children seeking childcare, and employers required to provide parental leave. The biennial study would assess living wage needs every two years and inform future policy decisions. The paid parental leave would provide time off with pay for qualifying events under the new state program.