Niagara Leader

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney has introduced the Protect Local Farms Act, aiming to establish a federal mandate that sets the overtime threshold for farm workers at no less than 60 hours per week. The bill is co-sponsored by Representatives Nick Langworthy and Doug LaMalfa.

New York's current policy, which began on January 1, 2024, reduces the overtime threshold to 56 hours per week and plans further reductions every two years until reaching 40 hours in 2032. If passed, Tenney's legislation would override this policy, allowing farm workers nationwide to work up to 60 hours without overtime restrictions.

Congresswoman Tenney expressed concerns about New York's existing regulations: “New York’s overtime threshold for farm workers jeopardizes the livelihoods of thousands of farm laborers and threatens the survival of small, family-owned farms across the state." She emphasized her commitment as a representative of a major agricultural district to support farmers against "bureaucratic regulations."

Congressman Langworthy also voiced his support for the bill: "I am proud to join my New York colleagues on this legislation to fight for New York agricultural workers." He criticized state leaders in Albany for imposing limits he believes are burdensome on farmers and their employees.

The full text of the proposed bill is available for public review.