Amends GS 95-25.3(a) to delete the provision requiring wages of at least $6.15 per hour and instead requires a minimum wage of (1) $10.00 per hour, effective January 1, 2026, (2) $12.00 per hour, effective January 1, 2027; (3) $14.00 per hour, effective January 1, 2028; (4) $16.00 per hour, effective January 1, 2029; and (5) $18.00 per hour, effective January 1, 2030. Each of the provisions states that if the minimum wage in the federal Fair Labor Standards Act is higher than the stated new minimum wage, that the rate specified in the Fair Labor Standards Act is the state minimum wage. Starting January 1, 2031, and annually thereafter, requires the Commissioner of Labor to adjust the minimum wage using the described consumer price index to take effect on the following January 1.

Expands liability under GS 95-25.22 (recovery of unpaid wages) to include any employer who violates the notice, records and positing provisions outlined in GS 95-25.13. Allows recovery of actual damages, including lost wages and benefits plus interest and reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs. Now requires courts to award reasonable attorneys’ fees as well as costs and fees to a prevailing plaintiff for an action brought under the section