A Houston lawmaker wants to more than double Texas’ minimum wage, proposing an increase from $7.25 to $15 an hour as state lawmakers begin filing legislation ahead of the 2027 legislative session.
State Rep. Armando Walle, a Democrat from Houston, filed House Bill 132. A similar proposal, House Bill 110, was filed by State Rep. Ana-María Rodríguez Ramos.
Both bills would require employers to pay workers at least $15 an hour, or the federal minimum wage if it is higher. The proposed changes would take effect September 1, 2027, if approved.
Texas currently follows the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour, which has not increased since 2009.
For someone working 40 hours a week, the difference between those rates would amount to about $310 more per week before taxes.
Supporters of raising the minimum wage argue that higher pay could help working families keep up with the cost of housing, groceries, transportation and other everyday expenses.
However, a significant increase in labor costs could also create challenges for employers, particularly small businesses. Some business owners may face difficult decisions involving payroll, staffing, employee hours or prices.
The proposals also seek to repeal a state restriction that prevents cities and counties from establishing their own minimum-wage requirements for private employers.
The bills are among the early proposals filed ahead of the 90th Texas Legislature, which convenes January 12, 2027.
Democrats will control the Texas House and governor’s office, but Republicans will retain a majority in the Texas Senate. Both proposals would need to pass the Legislature and receive the governor’s approval to become law.
For now, the proposals are setting up an early debate over wages, affordability and the cost of doing business in Texas.
