Tennessee lawmakers will consider a bill soon to raise the minimum wage to $12 an hour.

Senator Sara Kyle and State Representative Jesse Chism introduced State Bill 0550/House Bill 0797 to increase the current minimum wage of $7.25, which is the same as the federal minimum wage. It would increase the minimum wage each year, reaching $12 an hour by 2025. The proposed bill breaks down the gradual increase as follows:

On and after January 1, 2022 – $9.25 an hour;

On and after January 1, 2023 – $10.00 an hour;

On and after January 1, 2024 – $11.00 an hour; and

On and after January 1, 2025 – $12.00 an hour.

This bill would also establish that the minimum-overtime-hourly rate for employees working more than 40 hours a week must be one and 1/2 times the regular wage rate. The Senate Commerce and Labor Committee is scheduled to discuss the bill this Tuesday, March 23, 2021.