Employers with 25-plus workers would owe 2 paid hours off to vote

What does this do?

HR 4908 would require employers with 25 or more workers to provide at least two consecutive paid hours off for employees to participate in federal election voting activities. This covers Election Day voting, early voting, dropping off a mail ballot in person, and other voting-related activities. Regular break times and lunch breaks cannot be counted toward the required two hours.

Who does it affect?

The bill covers most private-sector employees at businesses engaged in interstate commerce with 25 or more employees. Employers can set when during the workday the leave is taken but cannot deny it entirely.

Why does it matter?

Voting leave requirements currently vary widely by state, with some states mandating paid time off and others requiring none, meaning many workers have no guaranteed access to paid voting leave. This bill would establish a single federal floor for employers of a certain size, which could affect scheduling and payroll practices nationwide.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• Up to $10,000 fine per violation
• Smaller businesses may pay less
• DOL enforces complaints

Where does it stand?