Louisiana Proposes Minimum Wage Hikes Every Two Years

New bill aims to raise state's minimum wage to $14 per hour by 2031.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A bill has been prefiled for the 2026 Louisiana Legislative Session that would gradually increase the state's minimum wage rate every two years, starting at $10 per hour in 2027 and reaching $14 per hour by 2031. The proposed legislation would also allow employees to file civil lawsuits against employers who violate the wage increases.

Why it matters

Louisiana currently follows the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. This bill aims to provide a higher minimum wage for workers in the state, which could help address issues of income inequality and improve the standard of living for low-wage earners. However, the proposed increases may face opposition from some businesses concerned about the impact on their operations.

The details

Under the proposed bill, Louisiana's minimum wage would increase to $10 per hour in 2027, $12 per hour in 2029, and $14 per hour in 2031. The bill also states that if the federal minimum wage rises above the state's, Louisiana must match the federal rate. The legislation would require city, parish, and district clerks of court to document wage-violation cases and submit them to Louisiana Works. Employees could file civil lawsuits against employers who violate the wage increases, with the employers potentially required to cover the wage shortage, attorney fees, and court costs.

  • The proposed bill has been prefiled for the 2026 Louisiana Legislative Session.
  • The minimum wage would increase to $10 per hour in 2027.
  • The minimum wage would increase to $12 per hour in 2029.
  • The minimum wage would increase to $14 per hour in 2031.

The players

Delisha Boyd

A representative from District 102 in New Orleans who authored the proposed minimum wage bill.

Louisiana Works

The state agency that would receive documentation of wage-violation cases from local clerks of court.

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What they’re saying

“A bill was prefiled for the 2026 Louisiana Legislative Session, aimed at raising the state's minimum wage rate.”

— Delisha Boyd, Representative, District 102 (klfy.com)

What’s next

The proposed bill will be considered during the 2026 Louisiana Legislative Session, and if passed, the minimum wage increases would begin in 2027.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation aims to gradually raise Louisiana's minimum wage to $14 per hour by 2031, providing a higher standard of living for low-wage workers in the state. However, the bill may face opposition from some businesses concerned about the impact on their operations.