LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Nevada voters have approved a ballot question that would establish a new minimum wage of $12 per hour in the state constitution.

Ballot Question 2 is projected to pass, according to the Associated Press. There were 54.5% of votes, or 486,429, in favor and 45.5% opposed, or 406,092, as of Friday, according to the state's unofficial ballot returns.

The measure would take effect on July 1, 2024, and would be subject to any applicable increases provided by federal law or the Nevada Legislature. The existing provision that adjusts the minimum wage based on increases in the cost of living would be removed.

It also removes existing provisions that set different minimum wage rates based on whether employers provided certain health benefits.

Right now, the minimum wage is $9.50 an hour for those with the health option and $10.50 for those without.

Annette Magnus, executive director with Battle Born Progress and a supporter of the ballot measure, told News 3 that it would ensure all employees are paid the same minimum wage, regardless of the benefits offered. It would also allow lawmakers to increase the minimum wage, which was previously pegged exclusively to the Consumer Price Index.

Nevada's legislature passed the measure twice, in 2019 and 2021, which means Nevada voters only need to approve it once for the constitutional amendment to take effect.

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