Support for Employee-Owned Businesses and Right of First Refusal for Plant Closings.
This act establishes a new loan and guarantee program for businesses with significant employee ownership to help them grow or acquire the company. Additionally, employees gain a right of first refusal to purchase a plant in the event of its closure, which can help preserve jobs and the local economy.
Key points
An Office of Employee Ownership will be established within the Department of Labor to support employee-owned businesses.
Loans and loan guarantees up to $500 million will be available for companies that are or will become at least 51% employee-owned.
Employees gain the right to make an offer to purchase a plant or company in the event of a permanent shutdown, before it is sold to other entities.
Companies seeking support must demonstrate employee involvement in decision-making and financial transparency.
Introduced
Additional Information
Print number: 119_S_2458
Sponsor: Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT]
Process start date: 2025-07-24