Tennessee House Bill HB2829

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/24
• Refer: 2/5/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 12 and Title 50, Chapter 2, relative to wages.

Impact

If enacted, HB2829 would significantly alter the landscape of employment laws in Tennessee, particularly concerning localities' ability to set wage standards. Supporters argue that the bill empowers local governments to ensure fair compensation within their jurisdictions, potentially helping to address regional economic disparities. On the other hand, critics might view this as an unfortunate limitation on local control, as it would prevent municipalities from establishing wage rates reflective of local economic conditions beyond the thresholds set in state law.

Summary

House Bill 2829 seeks to amend sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated regarding wages paid by private employers. The bill allows local governments, such as counties and municipalities, to impose a requirement that employers pay wages above the minimum wage mandated by federal or state law. However, this is contingent on the employer doing business within the local government's jurisdiction or contracting with that government. Additionally, the bill specifies that local governments cannot require a prevailing wage higher than the established rates for state highway construction projects or other state building projects, thereby creating a defined ceiling for wage requirements in construction contracts.

Contention

One notable point of contention associated with HB2829 is the balance between state and local authority over wage setting. Proponents may argue that allowing local governments to mandate higher pay aligns with community values and economic needs, while opponents could contend that restricting local governments from setting higher wages undermines their ability to respond to unique local market conditions. The debate surrounding this bill encapsulates broader discussions on the power dynamics between different levels of government in shaping labor policies.