Wisconsin Bill Updates Labor Laws for Minor League Baseball Players

The Wisconsin Legislature is advancing a bill designed to bring state labor laws into alignment with the evolving structure of professional baseball. Senate Bill 374, authored by State Senator Dan Feyen, targets the state’s minimum-wage, overtime, and recordkeeping requirements as they apply to minor league baseball players covered under a collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

Introduced on July 16, 2025 and referred to the Committee on Government Operations, Labor and Economic Development, the bill was reported out of committee on October 2 with a unanimous vote of 5-0. It passed the Senate on October 14 and has been received by the Assembly for further action. BillTrack50+2FastDemocracy+2

What the Bill Does

The bill proposes to amend Wisconsin statutes—specifically creating 103.023, adding 104.01 (2)(b)6, and amending 104.09—to exempt certain minor league baseball players from state law requirements around minimum wage, overtime pay, and employer recordkeeping. Wisconsin Legislature Documents+1

Under the proposed law:

• An individual who has entered into a contract to play minor league baseball and is compensated under a CBA that expressly provides for wages and working conditions would be exempt from Wisconsin’s minimum wage statute.
• Such an individual would likewise be exempt from state rules requiring overtime pay (for hours over 40/week) and from state rules requiring employers to keep detailed records of hours and wages.
• Employers of these players would not be required to keep certain records for employees exempt under these provisions.
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Why the Legislation is Proposed

Senator Feyen explained that because minor league players are now governed by a collective bargaining agreement that sets pay, working conditions, and other employment terms, it makes sense for Wisconsin law to reflect and defer to that negotiated structure. He said:

“Minor league players are now covered under a collective bargaining agreement that sets pay, working conditions, and other employment terms. Because these terms are already negotiated, the bill exempts players covered by the CBA from state minimum wage, overtime, and recordkeeping requirements, ensuring Wisconsin law aligns with federal standards and provides consistency for teams, players, and the Department of Workforce Development.” State Affairs

Supporters argue that the bill offers clarity and avoids duplicative or conflicting state regulations for players whose working conditions are already governed by a national agreement. It aims to bring consistency for teams, players, and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.

Legislative Outlook

With Senate passage secured, SB 374 now heads to the Wisconsin Assembly for consideration. A companion measure, Assembly Bill 367, mirrors SB 374 and tracks the same policy objectives. FastDemocracy

If both houses approve the legislation and the governor signs it, Wisconsin labor law will formally recognize the specialized collective bargaining regime for minor league baseball players—and exempt those players from certain state-level wage and hour mandates.

Final Thoughts

Senate Bill 374 represents a targeted update to Wisconsin’s labor law—one that reflects the unique employment structure of minor league baseball and the fact that those players are now covered by a CBA. By carving out specified exemptions, the legislation seeks to eliminate potential state-federal overlaps and provide clearer regulatory terrain for professional sports employment in Wisconsin.