Protect Local Farms Act

# Protect Local Farms Act Summary **What the bill would do:** This bill would prevent states from setting their own rules limiting how many hours agricultural workers can work before earning overtime pay. Currently, federal law doesn't require farmers to pay overtime to agricultural employees, but some states have created stricter rules. This bill would override those state rules and set a federal limit of 60 hours per week—meaning states couldn't require overtime payments for agricultural workers who work fewer than 60 hours weekly, even if state law says otherwise. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily impacts agricultural workers and farming operations. Workers in states with stronger protections (like California, which has lower weekly hour limits for overtime) would lose those extra protections if this bill passes.

Farm employers would benefit by potentially reducing overtime pay obligations, while agricultural workers might have fewer labor protections. **Current status:** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. It was introduced by Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY) in the 119th Congress.