Scored 10/10 on whether it helps or hurts everyday people.
The Minimum Wage Bill
South Carolina proposes a $17 minimum wage for workers
Minimum wage
Good for everyday people ·
This bill would raise the state minimum wage to $17 an hour by 2027 and let workers sue bosses who refuse to pay it.
Our take
What we think, in plain words.
Right now, South Carolina uses the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. This bill would more than double that pay. It also gives workers strong tools to fight wage theft. If a boss pays less than $17, workers could team up in a class action lawsuit to get their money back. The bill even forces bad bosses to pay the workers' legal fees. It is a huge step forward for working families.
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The facts
What the bill actually says, no spin.
- Raises the minimum wage to $17 an hour starting January 1, 2027.
- Makes it illegal for bosses to punish workers who complain about their pay.
- Lets workers sue for unpaid wages, extra money for their trouble, and lawyer fees.
- Allows workers to group together in class action lawsuits.
- Gives workers up to five years to file a lawsuit against a bad boss.
- Lets the state fine rule-breaking companies $1,000 for each violation.
In the news
Scanning the news for this bill…
Headlines gathered from across the news, starting points to explore, not endorsements. Always read the official text before acting.
Sources
Read it yourself: the official bill and records.
This bill is in the South Carolina Bill Book 2026
The best and worst South Carolina bills of 2026, one page each — our take on the left, the bill on the right, and room for your notes. No email needed.
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