1. Except as otherwise provided under this chapter and rules adopted by the commissioner, every employer shall pay to each of the employer's employees: a. Effective July 24, 2007, a wage of at least five dollars and eighty-five cents per hour; b. Effective July 24, 2008, a wage of at least six dollars and fifty-five cents per hour; and c. Effective July 24, 2009, a wage of at least seven dollars and twenty-five cents per hour.

2. This section does not limit the authority of the commissioner to adopt rules establishing a state minimum wage rate that differs from the rates established under subsection 1.