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 address labor abuses in the garment manufacturing industry. It would make manufacturers—including retailers who commission apparel production—legally and financially responsible, alongside their contractors, for violations of minimum wage, overtime, child labor, and industrial homework rules committed during the production of their goods. Manufacturers could be held jointly and severally liable to workers for these violations, meaning employees could seek back pay or damages directly from the manufacturer, not just the contractor. The bill would also create new civil penalties—up to $1,000 per employee for failing to keep required payroll records, and $10,000 (or $15,000 for repeat offenses) for submitting fraudulent payroll records to conceal violations.
The bill primarily affects garment manufacturers, retailers who contract out apparel production, contractors performing that work, and garment workers, particularly those in lower-wage production settings. It aims to strengthen enforcement of existing wage, hour, and child labor protections by extending liability up the supply chain.
The bill was introduced by Senator Edward Kennedy on September 25, 1996, in the 104th Congress, and referred to the Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources. It received no further action or vote and 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 S. 2127 do?
- The Stop Sweatshops Act of 1996 would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to address labor abuses in the garment manufacturing industry. It would make manufacturers—including retailers who commission apparel production—legally and financially responsible, alongside their contractors, for violations of minimum wage, overtime, child labor, and industrial homework rules committed during the production of their goods. Manufacturers could be held jointly and severally liable to workers for these violations, meaning employees could seek back pay or damages directly from the manufacturer, not just the contractor. The bill would also create new civil penalties—up to $1,000 per employee for failing to keep required payroll records, and $10,000 (or $15,000 for repeat offenses) for submitting fraudulent payroll records to conceal violations. The bill primarily affects garment manufacturers, retailers who contract out apparel production, contractors performing that work, and garment workers, particularly those in lower-wage production settings. It aims to strengthen enforcement of existing wage, hour, and child labor protections by extending liability up the supply chain. The bill was introduced by Senator Edward Kennedy on September 25, 1996, in the 104th Congress, and referred to the Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources. It received no further action or vote and did not become law.
- Has S. 2127 become law?
- Not yet. As of 25 Sep 1996, S. 2127 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 2127?
- S. 2127 was sponsored by Sen. Edward “Ted” Kennedy [D-MA, 1962-2009] (Democrat-MA), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 2127?
- Introduced (25 Sep 1996).
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