Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act of 2026

Progress

Timeline

• Mar 19Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Summary

**What it does:** This bill would extend federal minimum wage and overtime protections to incarcerated people who work while in prison. **Who it affects:** - People currently serving time in federal, state, and local correctional facilities who perform work - Prison systems that employ incarcerated workers - Companies that contract with prisons for labor **What would change:** - Incarcerated workers would have to be paid at least the federal minimum wage (currently $7.25/hour) instead of the typical $0.20-$1.00 per hour they often receive now - They would be entitled to overtime pay for working more than 40 hours per week - Prison work programs would face significantly higher labor costs - Some prison work programs might be reduced or eliminated due to budget constraints The bill is currently under review in congressional committee and has not been voted on by the full House of Representatives.

How This Affects You