Salaries and Benefits - As introduced, requires employers to pay employees an hourly wage of at least $20 beginning January 1, 2027, with annual adjustments by the commissioner of labor and workforce development based on increases in the consumer price index; establishes posting mandates, civil liability for violations, and a two-to-three-year statute of limitations for recovery actions. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 9; Title 13; Title 29; Title 47; Title 50; Title 57; Title 58; Title 65; Title 67 and Title 68.

HB 2248 establishes a Tennessee minimum wage of $20 per hour for most employees, effective January 1, 2027. Starting January 1, 2028, the wage will automatically increase annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), rounded to the nearest five cents, with no decreases even if inflation drops. Employers must post wage rules visibly and face civil liability for violations, including triple damages for unpaid wages, with employees able to sue within 2 years (or 3 years for willful violations). This bill directly affects all Tennessee employers covered under state wage laws, amending multiple sections of Tennessee Code to implement these changes.