HB 1939 -- Living Wage

Sponsor:  Bowman

This bill changes the laws regarding Missouri's minimum wage by
establishing a living wage.  The bill requires certain employers
contracting with the state for services valued at $100,000 or
more, except a contractor with 10 or fewer employees with a
contract for services valued at less than $500,000, to pay each
employee at least $8.50 per hour for the duration of the
contract.

Within 90 days after the beginning of each fiscal year, the
Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, based on any
increase or decrease in the federal Consumer Price Index, is
required to adjust the living wage rate and post it on the
department's web site.  "Living wage" is defined as a wage on
which it is possible for a wage earner or an individual and his
or her family to live at least according to minimum customary
standards.  The bill exempts certain employees from the specified
wage requirements.  An employer may reduce the living wage by all
or part of the hourly cost of the employer's share of
employer-provided health insurance.

Employers subject to the living wage rate are required to
prominently post the rate and other pertinent information in an
easily accessible place at the work site.  The department may
impose a civil penalty of up to $50 per violation for anyone not
complying with this requirement.

If a complaint is filed, the bill specifies the department's
responsibilities and the procedure for investigating the
complaint and the recovery of the employee's lost compensation.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated October 15, 2008 at 3:11 pm