Consumer Protection and Labor and Employment - Food Service Facilities and Minimum Wage

HB 1229 establishes a constitutional right for Maryland workers to receive at least the state minimum wage without counting tips toward that amount. It bans employers from using tip credits for tipped employees (effective on a specified date) and requires food service facilities to prominently disclose any service fees to customers before ordering. The bill repeals exemptions that allowed lower wages for certain workers (like those in security roles) and updates consumer protections around service fees under Maryland law. These changes directly affect food service workers and restaurant customers, ensuring fairer wage treatment and transparent fee practices.