A proposal to carve an exemption in the state's voter-approved minimum wage isn't expected to pass during this year's legislative session, Senate President Ben Albritton said.
"I don't love it, to tell you the truth," Albritton, R-Wauchula, told reporters this past week. "I think if somebody works, whether they're being an apprentice or whatever, the minimum wage is in the (state) constitution for a reason."
When pressed if the bill is dead, Albritton added, "I would expect so."
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The proposal (SB 676, HB 541) sought to allow people to voluntarily accept pay below the minimum wage when employed in positions deemed a "work-study, internship, pre-apprenticeship, or other similar work-based learning opportunity."
Senate sponsor Jonathan Martin, R-Fort Myers, argued the proposal would help people gain skills through entry-level work experience that isn't available at the state's minimum wage.
Opponents countered that employers would simply redefine entry-level jobs as "internships."
A 2020 state constitutional amendment required gradual increases in the minimum wage. It is $13 an hour and will increase to $14 on Sept. 30 and will go to $15 on Sept. 30, 2026.
The federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour.
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