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Proposed Rule2025-12316

Application of the Fair Labor Standards Act to Domestic Service

Primary source

Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.

Published
July 2, 2025

Issuing agencies

Labor DepartmentWage and Hour Division

Abstract

In 1974, Congress applied the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) to "domestic service" employees, but exempted employees who provide "companionship services" from the minimum wage and overtime requirements and also exempted live-in domestic service employees from overtime. In 1975, the Department promulgated regulations defining companionship services and permitting third party employers to claim these exemptions. These regulations remained substantially unchanged for nearly 40 years. In 2013, the Department revised the regulations to narrow the definition of companionship services and prevent third party employers from claiming either of the exemptions. Because the Department is concerned that the 2013 regulations might not reflect the best interpretation of the FLSA and might discourage essential companionship services by making these services more expensive, the Department is proposing to return to the 1975 regulations. This summary can be found at https://www.regulations.gov by searching by the RIN: 1235-AA51.

Indexed from Federal Register on July 2, 2025.

This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.