Child Labor Exploitation Accountability Act
The bill would create a list of entities deemed ineligible for contracts with the Department of Agriculture for up to four years if they are found to have serious or repeated violations of the labor laws specified in the bill. This measure is intended to deter contractors from engaging in exploitative labor practices, thereby promoting economic security and accountability. The bill positions the Department of Agriculture to monitor labor compliance closely and implement corrective measures as needed, influencing the contract awarding process significantly.
House Bill 2822, titled the 'Child Labor Exploitation Accountability Act', aims to strengthen the enforcement of labor laws among contractors working with the Department of Agriculture. The bill requires contracting entities to disclose any violations of specific labor laws, including the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and the National Labor Relations Act, within the past three years. Events such as civil judgments or arbitral awards for labor law infractions must also be reported annually to the Secretary of Labor. This aims to improve transparency and accountability in labor practices within the agriculture sector.
Notable points of contention surrounding HB2822 include concerns from various stakeholders about the implications of strict compliance requirements. Some proponents argue that the bill will safeguard worker rights and ensure fair labor standards are upheld by contractors. Conversely, critics express worries that the bill's stringent regulations could disincentivize potential contractors from engaging with the Department of Agriculture, possibly leading to reduced competition and higher costs for agricultural goods. The balance between ensuring labor compliance and encouraging participation in federal contracts remains a focal point in discussions about the bill.