Bill would exempt voluntary off-hours job training from overtime pay rules
RejectedH.R. 2262Latest action
Sponsor: Ashley Hinson · Representative · IA
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Flexibility for Workers Education Act
119th Congress
Topics: Jobs & the economy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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Employers wouldn't have to pay workers, including overtime, for voluntary training done outside normal work hours.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act so that time employees spend in voluntary lectures, training, or educational programs outside normal work hours doesn't count as "hours worked" for pay purposes. Three conditions must be met: attendance isn't required, skipping it doesn't hurt the employee's job or working conditions, and the employee does no actual work while participating.
Who does it affect?
This affects hourly workers covered by federal wage-and-hour law, especially those who take job-related training, certification courses, or continuing education offered by their employer.
Why does it matter?
Supporters say it could encourage employers to offer more training without added labor costs, while critics warn it could reduce pay for skill-building time, particularly since "voluntary" may be hard to define in practice. The change would apply to hours worked starting on the bill's enactment date.
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Read the official bill on Congress.govNo call to make
The House rejected it, 209–215, on January 13, 2026.
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMar 21, 2025
- House committee
- House voteRejected here · Jan 13, 2026
- SenateNot reached
- The president's deskNot reached
Right now: the House voted on it and rejected it, 209–215.
Latest action: — Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Recorded votes
Roll-call votes recorded since January 3, 2025.
House · · Roll call 19
As recorded
- Question
- On Passage
- Result:
- Failed
- 209
- Nay
- 215
- 0
- 7
Republicans 209 yes, 6 no, 3 not voting · Democrats 209 no, 4 not voting
Official recordHow members voted
The official record lists how each member voted.Official record
House · · Roll call 18
As recorded
- Question
- On
- Result:
- Failed
- 209
- Nay
- 213
- 0
- 9
Republicans 213 no, 5 not voting · Democrats 209 yes, 4 not voting
Official recordHow members voted
The official record lists how each member voted.Official record