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NE LB578

Bill

Status

Introduced

1/22/2025

Primary Sponsor

Machaela Cavanaugh

Click for details

Origin

Legislature

109th Legislature

AI Summary

  • City and county jails and the Department of Correctional Services must pay inmates minimum wage under the Wage and Hour Act for all work performed

  • Deposit accounts must be established for inmates earning wages, replacing the previous "wage fund" system that allowed deductions for room, board, and other costs

  • The State of Nebraska and political subdivisions are added as covered employers under the Wage and Hour Act, requiring minimum wage payment to government employees

  • Federal OSHA workplace safety standards must be followed for inmate employment, even though federal law may not require it

  • Inmate employment cannot displace other workers, be used in trades with labor surpluses, or undercut prevailing wages and conditions in the locality

Legislative Description

Change provisions relating to compensation and employment of jail and prison inmates and disbursements of such funds and require payment of the minimum wage for inmates and government employees

Last Action

Spivey name added

2/18/2026

Committee Referrals

Judiciary1/24/2025

Full Bill Text

No bill text available