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 Senate on March 19, 2026, by Mr. Booker.

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 a public agency. It excludes the cost of board, lodging, and certain court-imposed fees from the calculation of wages paid to incarcerated workers. It defines 'incarcerated worker' as an individual incarcerated or detained who performs work offered or required by or through the correctional facility. The definition of 'incarcerated worker' encompasses various work programs including UNICOR, state prison industries, and work release programs. It clarifies that an incarcerated worker is considered employed by either the public agency operating the facility or the private entity under contract. It defines 'court-imposed fee' as fees resulting from criminal convictions, excluding child support, victim compensation fund payments, civil judgments, and criminal fines. It references the definition of 'correctional facility' from the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968.

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Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act of 2026

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

Author: Cory Booker (D-NJ)

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.
The bill clarifies that incarcerated workers are considered employed by the operating agency or contracted entity, regardless of the specific work program.
It excludes the costs of board, lodging, and certain court-imposed fees from wage calculations for incarcerated workers.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 8002(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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