Representative says governor signed law raising minimum wage to $10.50; business groups have filed suit

A Representative on the floor told the House on June 30 that the governor had signed Ley 96 de 2024, an amendment tied to earlier legislation that the speaker described as providing for three scheduled minimum-wage increases. The representative said the law sets the minimum wage at $10.50 per hour effective July 1, 2024 unless the evaluating commission issues a mandatory change.

The speaker reviewed the legislative history, noting prior increases to $8.50 (2022) and $9.50 (2023) and the design of the current statutory schedule. He said the law contemplates a fund to assist small and medium employers: "a través del fondo de oportunidades laborales... el gobierno... tiene más de once millones de dólares disponibles, se subsidie la mitad del salario mínimo." The floor statement said the subsidy mechanism would cover half the new minimum-wage cost for qualifying employers, with employers paying the other half.

The representative also reported that several business organizations had filed a lawsuit seeking to block the increase on procedural grounds. He called that legal challenge "inmeritorio" during his floor remarks and urged the Assembly to be prepared to intervene in court if necessary "ya sea como amigo de la corte o como interventor para defender esa determinación." The House record shows members expressing support for the increase and concern about the timing of the legal filing.

What happens next: The law, as described on the floor, is due to enter into effect July 1, 2024 unless a court grants injunctive relief. House members said they would monitor litigation and stand ready to defend the Assembly's legislative determinations.