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Agricultural and Meatpacking Worker Protection: New Rules and Safety

This act aims to improve working conditions and safety for agricultural workers, with a special focus on the meatpacking sector. It introduces new wage requirements, prohibits stock buybacks by companies receiving government funds, and strengthens protection against retaliation for reporting issues. This is intended to ensure better employment conditions and greater transparency in the industry.
Key points
Agricultural companies receiving government funds must pay prevailing wages and are prohibited from stock buybacks.
Stricter safety rules will be implemented in meat processing plants, including limits on line speeds and mandatory restroom breaks.
Workers will receive enhanced protection against retaliation for reporting safety or working condition concerns, and for taking legally protected leave.
Increased workplace safety inspections in meat and poultry processing facilities will be conducted, and companies must disclose labor law violations.
Schools will face stricter rules for purchasing foreign food products for meal programs, unless domestic options are unavailable or significantly more expensive.
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Expired
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_HR_4978
Sponsor: Rep. Casar, Greg [D-TX-35]
Process start date: 2023-07-27
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Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-05-20
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Agricultural Worker Justice Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_HR_4978.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2023-07-27.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Agricultural companies receiving government funds must pay prevailing wages and are prohibited from stock buybacks.
  • Stricter safety rules will be implemented in meat processing plants, including limits on line speeds and mandatory restroom breaks.
  • Workers will receive enhanced protection against retaliation for reporting safety or working condition concerns, and for taking legally protected leave.
  • Increased workplace safety inspections in meat and poultry processing facilities will be conducted, and companies must disclose labor law violations.
  • Schools will face stricter rules for purchasing foreign food products for meal programs, unless domestic options are unavailable or significantly more expensive.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Casar, Greg [D-TX-35].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-25.

CATEGORIES

Labor Agriculture Health