The Domestic Workers Bill of Rights Act would set federal workplace protections for many people who provide services in private homes. It would require written work agreements for covered employees, provide earned paid sick time, set rules for work schedules and breaks, protect privacy, and limit certain wage deductions. It would also extend overtime protections to live-in domestic employees and require notice and lodging or severance after many terminations. The bill would prohibit retaliation, expand certain civil rights protections, create a standards board and enforcement programs, and require a study of worker benefits. It would authorize a temporary increase in federal Medicaid payments for certain services provided by domestic employees. The bill was introduced in the House and referred to committees; it has not been enacted.
If you are a covered domestic employee, the proposal could provide clearer written terms, paid sick time, scheduling protections, meal and rest breaks, and ways to report violations. Some provisions would not apply to every domestic worker, and several protections would have exceptions. Employers could have new duties, including providing agreements and keeping records. The bill would also create a hotline and community outreach grants. These changes would take effect at different times if the bill became law.
The bill authorizes appropriations in amounts Congress may later provide, but it gives no total funding amount. It also proposes a temporary increase in federal Medicaid payments for certain covered services, with no specific dollar amount stated. No publicly available information.
The bill’s findings describe domestic work as important to families and the economy and point to low pay, limited benefits, unsafe conditions, and labor violations. The proposal aims to improve workplace protections and access to benefits for domestic employees.
No publicly available information.