Arkansas §11-4-203 preempts local minimum wage ordinances, fixing Little Rock workers at the statewide $11/hour floor set by 2018 voter Initiative.
Arkansas Code §11-4-203 explicitly preempts cities and counties from setting local minimum wages above the state floor. The 2018 voter-approved Issue 5 raised Arkansas minimum wage to $11/hour by 2021, where it remains. Little Rock cannot enact a higher local rate, industry-specific wage floor, or living wage for city contractors that exceeds state law. Federal FLSA tipped-employee rules apply, with the Arkansas tip credit reducing direct cash wage to $2.63/hour when tips reach the statutory minimum.
Wage violations are enforced by the Arkansas Department of Labor and federal Wage and Hour Division, with back pay, liquidated damages, and penalties.
See how Little Rock's minimum wage preemption rules stack up against other locations.
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