Bill would guarantee home care workers minimum wage and overtime pay
In committeeS. 4081Latest action
Sponsor: Patty Murray · Senator · WA
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Official title: Fair Wages for Home Care Workers Act
119th Congress
Topics: Jobs & the economy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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The bill would narrow a labor law exemption so home care workers get minimum wage and overtime protections.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill would change federal labor law so home care workers, such as home health aides and personal care aides, are guaranteed minimum wage and overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act. It narrows an existing exemption—originally meant for casual babysitters and companions—so it applies only to occasional babysitting of infants and children, not professional caregiving. It also removes a separate provision that currently exempts companionship service workers from these wage rules.
Who does it affect?
Home care workers, including home health aides and personal care aides, who currently can be exempted from minimum wage and overtime protections. Home care agencies and individual employers who hire these workers are also affected.
Why does it matter?
Home care agencies and individual employers would be legally required to pay at least the federal minimum wage and time-and-a-half overtime, requiring them to adjust budgets and staffing to comply.
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Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMar 12, 2026
- Senate committeeYou are here · Mar 12, 2026
- Senate vote
- House
- The president's desk
Right now: a Senate committee is reviewing it. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.