1. As used in this section: a. "Employ" has the same meaning as provided under section 34-06.1-02. b. "Employer" includes a person acting directly or indirectly in the interest of an employer in relation to an employee. The term may include a public agency, other than the federal government, and an employer that has a contract or subcontract with a political subdivision or that has received tax abatements, loan guarantees, or other financial assistance from the political subdivision. c. "Living wage mandate" means a requirement enacted by a political subdivision which requires an employer to pay any or all of the employees of the employer a wage rate not otherwise required under the law of this state or federal law. d. "Political subdivision" includes a city, county, township, school district, or any other local government of this state.

2. A political subdivision may not enact, maintain, or enforce by charter, ordinance, purchase agreement, contract, regulation, rule, or resolution a living wage mandate in an amount greater than the applicable minimum wage rate of this state.