Voters Decide on Minimum Wage, Paid Sick Leave & More

Several measures that will affect businesses were on the ballot, including minimum wage, medicinal & recreational marijuana, and paid sick leave. 

Alaska

Alaskan voters passed Measure 1 with over 56% of the vote.  Measure 1 will increase the state minimum wage to $13.00 per hour in 2025, $14.00 per hour in 2026, and $15.00 per hour in 2027.  After 2027, the minimum wage would automatically increase with inflation. 

Additionally, the measure would require paid sick leave for many employers.  Small employers would allow 40 or more hours of sick leave per year, while large employers would allow 56 or more hours per year, which would both be able to be carried over to the next year.

The measure also included a provision that would prohibit employers from making their employees attend meetings about religious or political issues.

Arizona

Proposition 138 in Arizona gave voters the opportunity to vote to allow tipped workers to be paid 25% below minimum wage.  With 92% of votes tallied, voters have overwhelmingly voted No on this measure.

California

Proposition 32 would increase the minimum wage to $18.00 per hour for employers with 25 or more people, and for all other businesses in 2026.  With 71% of votes tallied, this measure is still too close to be decided.

Florida

With almost all ballots counted, Amendment 3 in Florida will not pass, as it needs a 60% voter threshold.  This measure would have legalized the use and possession of recreational marijuana in the state.

Massachusetts

Question 5 on the ballot would have gradually raised the minimum wage for tipped workers until it reaches the standard minimum wage of $15.00 per hour (currently $6.75).  This measure has been voted against, with over 60% of voters voting no.

Missouri

With almost all votes tallied, Proposition A will be passed by voters.  This measure will increase the state minimum wage to $13.75 per hour on January 1, 2025, and $15.00 per hour in 2026.  Additionally, all employers with 15 or more employees will be required to provide one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked.  Government entities, political subdivisions, school districts, and educational institutions will be exempt from the change.

Nebraska

Nebraska Initiative 436 was passed with over 70% of the vote.  The measure will require businesses with 20 or more employees to provide up to 7 days of paid sick leave, 5 days of paid sick leave for businesses with fewer than 20 employees.

Additionally, Initiative 437 was passed which will legalize the use of medicinal marijuana.  This makes Nebraska the 39th state to allow medicinal marijuana.

North Dakota

Voters have voted against Measure 5 in North Dakota, which would have legalized the recreational and personal use of marijuana.

South Dakota

Measure 29 was voted against, which would have legalized the recreational use, possession, and distribution of marijuana within the state.

Stay compliant with the attorneys from myHRcounsel at your side.  With an affordable subscription, you can begin the new year with an up-to-date employee handbook, and workplace policies for your business while we help you navigate law changes.