Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act of 2026
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To President
- Became Law
Overview
This bill amends the Fair Labor Standards Act to ensure that incarcerated workers receive fair wages and protections. It expands the definition of ‘employee’ to include incarcerated individuals working in correctional facilities operated by both public and private entities. The bill also clarifies that the cost of housing and facilities provided to incarcerated workers should not be considered part of their wages, and establishes a definition for ‘court-imposed fee’ that excludes certain payments.
Key provisions
- Expands the definition of ‘employee’ to include incarcerated workers in public and private correctional facilities.
- Requires fair wages for incarcerated workers under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
- Clarifies that the cost of board, lodging, and facilities should not be included in wages.
- Defines ‘incarcerated worker’ and ‘correctional facility’ for clarity.
- Specifies that court-imposed fees, excluding certain payments, are not to be included in wages.
- Addresses employment by private entities contracting with public agencies to operate correctional facilities.
Who is affected
- Incarcerated individuals
- Correctional facility operators (public and private)
- Private entities contracting with public agencies to operate correctional facilities
- Court systems
- Criminal justice administrative agencies
Notable changes
Bill text
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Sponsors
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2 on record
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