In a landmark victory for disability rights advocates, Georgia’s Senate Bill 55, also known as the “Dignity and Pay Act,” is set to abolish the controversial practice of paying workers with disabilities subminimum wages. The law, which goes into effect on July 1, 2025, will ensure that Georgians with disabilities are paid a fair wage for their labor.

The new legislation prohibits employers from utilizing certificates issued by the U.S. Department of Labor to pay disabled workers less than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. This marks a significant step towards eradicating wage discrimination based on disability and fostering a more equitable work environment across the state. While the bill’s core provision takes effect in 2025, a two-year transition period is in place for employers currently holding subminimum wage certificates. These employers can continue paying subminimum wages until July 1, 2027, but are required to increase wages to at least half the minimum wage between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027. According to GA FastTrack, this phased approach is designed to provide employers with time to adjust their business models and staffing strategies. Supporting this transition is a federal grant, the “Subminimum Wage to Competitive Integrative Employment” grant, already funding two service providers in Georgia, according to the Georgia Recorder. Advocates for people with disabilities have long championed the elimination of subminimum wages, arguing that the practice is inherently discriminatory and undermines the principles of equal pay for equal work.

SB 55 reflects these long-standing concerns and positions Georgia as a leader in promoting economic justice for its citizens with disabilities. The passage of this bill signifies a commitment to ensuring that all Georgians have the opportunity to earn a living wage and contribute meaningfully to the state’s economy.