Repeals the law that allowed employers to pay some of their minor employees and employees who are full time students and not attained the age of nineteen (19), less than minimum hourly wages, requiring them to be paid a minimum hourly wage.
If enacted, H7172 would significantly alter the wage landscape for minors and students in Rhode Island. By enforcing a higher standard of pay, it seeks to promote fairness and equity in the job market, where young workers often find themselves in flexible employment situations. This law would replace a previous system that some argued exploited younger employees under the guise of lower wages, potentially helping to elevate the economic status of these workers.
House Bill 7172, introduced in the 2024 legislative session, focuses on labor relations, specifically around minimum wage laws. It proposes the repeal of existing provisions that allowed certain employers to pay minors and full-time students under the age of nineteen at rates lower than the state minimum wage. This legislative change is aimed at providing greater protections for these vulnerable worker groups by ensuring they receive at least the minimum wage for their labor, regardless of their age or student status.
Debate surrounding H7172 may center on the economic implications for businesses that hire minors or students. Supporters argue that the law corrects unjust wage practices and aligns with broader labor rights initiatives, while opponents could express concern about the financial burden on businesses that rely on lower-paid staff for certain entry-level positions. The bill aims to address these disparities, but it will prompt discussion regarding the balance between supporting young workers and maintaining employment opportunities for them.