Senate bill would extend FLSA minimum wage rules to prison workers

What does this do?

This bill would remove the current federal rule that excludes incarcerated workers from minimum wage protections under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Prisons and jails, whether government-run or privately operated under government contract, would be required to pay incarcerated workers at least the federal minimum wage. The bill also prohibits facilities from counting the cost of a cell, food, or court-imposed fees as part of those wages, though deductions for child support, crime victim funds, and criminal fines would still be allowed.

Who does it affect?

This bill would affect the roughly 800,000 people who work inside U.S. prisons and jails, including those in federal programs, state prison industries, work release programs, and private facilities. It would also affect the government agencies and private companies that operate those facilities, since they would take on new wage obligations.

Why does it matter?

If passed, incarcerated workers would receive actual money rather than credits applied toward costs the facility already charges them. Facilities and private prison companies would face new requirements to pay wages they are not currently required to pay.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• No specific costs listed
• New wage duties for prisons