Us Congress House Bill HB614

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/27/23
• Refer: 1/27/23

Caption

Commercial Fishing and Seafood Business Act of 2023

Impact

The passage of HB614 would potentially have a significant impact on state laws concerning labor regulations and immigration. It would allow for a greater number of workers to be hired under the H-2B visa program specifically for the fishing industry, addressing a critical issue where local operators struggle to maintain staffing levels during peak harvest seasons. By easing these restrictions, the bill could help stabilize and grow the economic viability of the seafood industry within the state, which is vital for local economies that depend heavily on fishing activities.

Summary

House Bill 614, titled the 'Commercial Fishing and Seafood Business Act of 2023', seeks to amend the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2005, specifically regarding the employment of certain workers in the commercial fishing sector. The bill aims to provide exemptions from numerical limitations on H-2B visas for non-immigrant aliens who are employed on commercial fishing vessels, shrimp trawlers, or in the processing of fish, fishery products, and baitfish. This change is intended to address labor shortages faced by the fishing industry, particularly as demand for seafood has increased.

Contention

While HB614 aims to provide necessary support for the commercial fishing industry, it may also raise concerns among labor advocates regarding the implications of expanded H-2B visa usage. Critics could argue that lifting restrictions on the hiring of foreign workers might adversely affect wage levels and job availability for domestic workers in the sector. There is potential for pushback from those who feel that the bill could lead to an oversupply of labor within the industry, undermining efforts to secure fair labor practices and adequate working conditions for local fishers.