Stop Sweatshops Act of 1996
Latest action (25 Sep 1996): Introduced
What this bill does
The Stop Sweatshops Act of 1996 would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to expand legal responsibility for labor violations in the garment industry. It would make manufacturers who contract out cutting, sewing, or other apparel production jointly and severally liable, along with their contractors, for violations of minimum wage, overtime, industrial homework, and child labor rules. It would also add civil penalties—up to $1,000 per affected employee—for failing to keep required payroll records, and penalties of $10,000 (or $15,000 for repeat offenses) for submitting fraudulent payroll records to investigators or courts.
The bill would primarily affect garment manufacturers, retailers involved in producing apparel, and their contractors, who would face shared legal and financial accountability for wage, hour, and recordkeeping violations. Garment workers would benefit from expanded ability to hold manufacturers—not just contractors—responsible for unpaid wages or unsafe labor practices.
The bill was introduced by Rep. William Clay (D-MO) on September 25, 1996, with numerous co-sponsors, and was referred to the House Committee on Economic and Educational Opportunities. It did not receive a vote and did not advance further before the end of the 104th Congress, meaning it did not become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Stop Sweatshops Act of 1996 - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide for the civil liability of manufacturers for sweatshop conditions in the garment industry. Sets forth civil penalties for violation of recordkeeping and payroll accounting requirements.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 4166 do?
- The Stop Sweatshops Act of 1996 would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to expand legal responsibility for labor violations in the garment industry. It would make manufacturers who contract out cutting, sewing, or other apparel production jointly and severally liable, along with their contractors, for violations of minimum wage, overtime, industrial homework, and child labor rules. It would also add civil penalties—up to $1,000 per affected employee—for failing to keep required payroll records, and penalties of $10,000 (or $15,000 for repeat offenses) for submitting fraudulent payroll records to investigators or courts. The bill would primarily affect garment manufacturers, retailers involved in producing apparel, and their contractors, who would face shared legal and financial accountability for wage, hour, and recordkeeping violations. Garment workers would benefit from expanded ability to hold manufacturers—not just contractors—responsible for unpaid wages or unsafe labor practices. The bill was introduced by Rep. William Clay (D-MO) on September 25, 1996, with numerous co-sponsors, and was referred to the House Committee on Economic and Educational Opportunities. It did not receive a vote and did not advance further before the end of the 104th Congress, meaning it did not become law.
- Has H.R. 4166 become law?
- Not yet. As of 25 Sep 1996, H.R. 4166 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 4166?
- H.R. 4166 was sponsored by Rep. William “Bill” Clay [D-MO1, 1969-2000] (Democrat-MO), with 54 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 4166?
- Introduced (25 Sep 1996).
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