Tennessee Senate Bill SB0698

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/3/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 8; Title 43; Title 50 and Title 68, relative to employment of agricultural employees.

Impact

By formalizing the rights of agricultural employees, SB0698 seeks to improve working conditions and ensure fair treatment across the agricultural sector in Tennessee. Among its stipulations, the bill requires agricultural employers to compensate workers at least the federal minimum wage and to facilitate breaks for meals and rest. Additionally, it imposes strict penalties on employers found guilty of wage theft, which considerably strengthens the legal framework around remuneration for agricultural work.

Summary

Senate Bill 0698 aims to amend various titles of the Tennessee Code Annotated concerning the employment of agricultural employees. This legislation establishes a new chapter specifically dedicated to agricultural workers, defining terms such as 'agricultural employee' and 'adverse action' while outlining the rights and protections afforded to these workers. Key provisions include prohibitions against retaliation for asserting rights, protections for whistleblowers, and mandates for employer responsibilities regarding housing and transportation access for workers.

Contention

The bill has sparked discussions and some contention around the implications for agricultural employers, particularly concerning the new obligations they will carry regarding employee rights and protections. Critics may argue that the increased regulations could lead to challenges for businesses, especially small or family-operated farms that may struggle with compliance costs. However, proponents believe that these measures are essential to provide equitable treatment and safeguard the health and wellbeing of agricultural workers against exploitation and unsafe conditions.