What does Preamble of Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act of 2026 do?

This bill aims to require coverage of incarcerated workers under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 19, 2026.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act of 2026.

What does COVERAGE OF INCARCERATED WORKERS UNDER THE FAIR LABOR STANDARDS of Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act of 2026 do?

This section amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to clarify coverage for incarcerated workers. It expands the definition of 'employee' to include incarcerated workers employed by both public agencies and private entities operating correctional facilities under contract with public agencies. It specifies that, for incarcerated workers, the cost of board, lodging, and other facilities, as well as court-imposed fees, are not to be included in the wage paid to them. A new definition of 'incarcerated worker' is established, encompassing individuals incarcerated or detained who perform work offered or required by or through the correctional facility. The definition of 'incarcerated worker' includes work associated with various programs, such as prison work programs, work release programs, the UNICOR program, and correctional facility operations. The bill clarifies that an incarcerated worker is considered employed by either the public agency operating the facility or the private entity under contract, depending on the facility's operation. The term 'correctional facility' is defined using the definition from the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968. The definition of 'court-imposed fee' is provided, specifying included and excluded fees, excluding child support, victim compensation funds, civil judgments, and criminal fines.

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Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act of 2026

Last updated: 3/19/2026 · Introduced: 3/19/2026

Author: Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to extend employee protections to incarcerated workers employed by both government and contracted entities within correctional facilities.
It establishes a new definition of 'incarcerated worker' to encompass individuals performing work within various correctional programs, including prison work and work release.
The bill clarifies that costs like board, lodging, and court-imposed fees (excluding certain obligations like child support) are not to be deducted from incarcerated workers' wages.

119th Congressin committeeS. 4143(In Committee)Official page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 1 more.

3 sections

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