Signed by Governor Brian Kemp

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends the Official Code of Georgia and repeals exemptions to the state minimum wage for employees with disabilities.

Highlights:

• Repeals the authorization for the Commissioner of Labor to grant exemptions for certain organizations and businesses allowing certain persons with disabilities to be employed at a rate less than the federal minimum wage (Sec. 2).

• Prohibits employers from utilizing a certificate issued by the United States Department of Labor to pay individuals with disabilities less than the federal minimum wage (Sec. 3).

• Specifies that employers that were issued a certificate allowing payment of less than minimum wage on or before July 1, 2025, may continue to utilize the certificate with the following stipulations (Sec. 3):

• From July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, the employer must pay employees with disabilities at least half of the federal minimum wage; and

• On and after July 1, 2027, the employer may no longer utilize the certificate and must pay individuals at least the federal minimum wage.

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends the Official Code of Georgia and repeals exemptions to the state minimum wage for employees with disabilities.

Highlights:

• Repeals the authorization for the Commissioner of Labor to grant exemptions for certain organizations and businesses allowing certain persons with disabilities to be employed at a rate less than the federal minimum wage (Sec. 2).

• Prohibits employers from utilizing a certificate issued by the United States Department of Labor to pay individuals with disabilities less than the federal minimum wage (Sec. 3).

• Specifies that employers that were issued a certificate allowing payment of less than minimum wage on or before July 1, 2025, may continue to utilize the certificate with the following stipulations (Sec. 3):

• From July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, the employer must pay employees with disabilities at least half of the federal minimum wage; and

• On and after July 1, 2027, the employer may no longer utilize the certificate and must pay individuals at least the federal minimum wage.

Full Bill Text