ATLANTA (May 6, 2025) — Last week, Senate Bill 55, the “Dignity and Pay Act,” was signed into law by Governor Brian P. Kemp. This measure, sponsored by Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education and Youth Sen. Billy Hickman (R–Statesboro), will prevent companies from paying employees with disabilities a subminimum wage and give a timeline for companies currently paying less than minimum wage to follow in phasing out the practice.
“With the signing of the Dignity and Pay Act, Georgia takes a meaningful step forward in recognizing the value and contributions of all workers,” said Sen. Hickman. “I’m grateful to Gov. Kemp for signing this important legislation and to my colleagues for their continual support. Paying employees with disabilities less than minimum wage is an outdated and unfair practice that has no place in our state. This new law guarantees that regardless of ability, every Georgian is compensated fairly for their work. It’s a proud moment for our state, and I’m confident this change will have a lasting, positive impact on individuals, families and our workforce.”
After July 1, 2027, no Community Rehabilitation Program employer in Georgia can pay a subminimum wage to disabled employees.
More information on SB 55 can be found here.
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Sen. Billy Hickman serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education and Youth. He represents the 4th Senate District which includes Bulloch, Candler, Effingham, and Evans County as well as a small portion of Chatham County. He may be reached at 404.463.1371 or by email at Billy.Hickman@senate.ga.gov.
For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.