HR 1614

HR 1614 refers to the "Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 Amendments of 1989." This piece of legislation amended the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938. Key provisions within HR 1614 focused on increasing the federal minimum wage in stages. The law raised the minimum wage to $3.80 per hour effective April 1, 1990, and then to $4.25 per hour effective April 1, 1991.

Beyond the minimum wage increase, HR 1614 also addressed the treatment of tipped employees. It stipulated that employers could credit tips received by employees toward the minimum wage obligation, subject to certain conditions and limitations. This "tip credit" provision has remained a significant aspect of wage and hour law in the United States. The legislation aimed to provide a modest increase in wages for lower-paid workers while balancing the concerns of businesses regarding increased labor costs. The impact of HR 1614 on employment levels and economic activity was debated at the time and continues to be a subject of economic analysis.