HB67 would raise Kentucky’s state minimum wage on a phased schedule. The bill sets the wage at $9.50 per hour upon the act’s effective date, then increases it to $11 on July 1, 2026; $12.50 on July 1, 2027; $14 on July 1, 2028; and $15 on July 1, 2029. It also preserves the existing rule that if the federal minimum wage rises above the state minimum, Kentucky’s minimum wage would automatically match the federal rate.
The bill also addresses tipped employees. For workers who customarily and regularly receive more than $30 per month in tips, employers could pay a base wage of $5 per hour, with that amount also tied to any future increase in the federal minimum wage. The bill keeps the requirement that an employer’s records show the employee receives at least the statutory minimum when wages and tips are combined, and it prohibits employers from using employee tips to satisfy the minimum wage obligation, while allowing employees to voluntarily share tips among themselves.
Impact
HB67 would amend KRS 337.275, Kentucky’s minimum wage statute, by replacing the current minimum wage schedule with a higher phased-in wage floor and by updating the tipped-wage provisions. It would directly affect employers, hourly workers, and tipped workers in Kentucky, especially in low-wage sectors such as food service and hospitality. The bill would also maintain Kentucky’s linkage to federal wage law, so future federal increases could automatically raise the state minimum wage and tipped minimum wage.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee discussion or votes, the available context suggests a straightforward policy proposal rather than a heavily debated measure in the provided materials. The bill’s structure indicates support for higher wages and stronger wage floors, particularly for low-wage and tipped workers. Because no transcripts or vote history are included, there is no documented evidence here of formal support or opposition, but the subject matter is the kind that typically draws interest from labor advocates, employers, and restaurant industry stakeholders.
Contention
The main points of contention are likely to be the size and pace of the wage increases and the treatment of tipped employees. Supporters would likely favor the gradual move to a $15 minimum wage and the higher tipped base wage as a way to improve worker pay and reduce reliance on tips. Opponents, likely among employer groups and some small business or hospitality interests, may argue that the mandated increases raise labor costs, could affect staffing or prices, and may be difficult for smaller employers to absorb. The automatic linkage to federal wage increases may also be a point of concern for those who prefer state control over wage policy.