To repeal section 290.502, RSMo 1994, relating to the minimum wage rate, and to enact in lieu thereof one new section relating to the same subject.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI,

AS FOLLOWS:

Section A. Section 290.502, RSMo 1994, is repealed and one new section enacted in lieu thereof, to be known as section 290.502, to read as follows:

290.502. Except as may be otherwise provided pursuant to sections 290.500 to 290.530, [every employer shall pay to each of his employees wages at the same rate or rates set under the provisions of federal law as the prevailing federal minimum wage applicable to those covered jobs in interstate commerce.] all employers shall pay their employees an hourly wage of no less than six dollars and twenty-five cents as of January 1, 1997, six dollars and fifty cents as of January 1, 1998, and six dollars and seventy-five cents as of January 1, 1999. On January 1, 2000, and on every January first thereafter the minimum wage shall be increased by fifteen cents.