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Congress·In Committee

Outdoor Recreation: Minimum Wage and Overtime Exemptions

Outdoor Recreational Outfitting and Guiding Act

10 months ago·View on Congress.gov

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
House
Senate
President

Key Points

  • This bill, introduced by Representative Owens, would change federal law so that certain outdoor guides and equipment rental workers do not have to be paid the federal minimum wage or overtime pay.
  • The change applies to businesses that only operate for seven months or less each year, or those that make the vast majority of their money during a short busy season. This includes jobs like guided fishing trips, hunting tours, and summer rafting rentals.
  • Currently, these workers are protected by federal labor laws that ensure a base hourly pay and extra money for working more than 40 hours a week. This bill would remove those specific protections for these seasonal outdoor jobs.
  • The goal of the policy is to help small seasonal businesses manage their costs during their busiest months when employees often work very long hours. However, it means these workers could earn less than the standard minimum wage or lose their overtime bonuses.
  • If passed, these new rules would take effect for any workweeks starting after the bill becomes law. It would primarily affect workers in states with large outdoor tourism industries, like Utah, Colorado, and Montana.

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
May 19, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

May 19, 2025

Introduced in House

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Outdoor Recreational Outfitting and Guiding Act

Bill NumberHR 3499
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(4)
R: 4

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.