On May 1st Representative Chris Stewart (R-UT) and seven co-sponsors introduced H.R. 2215 to relieve the threats presented by the Department of Labor rule implementing minimum wage and overtime requirements of Executive Order 13658 on backcountry outfitters.  

Rep. Stewart said, “Not only do we have some of the best outdoor recreational activities in world, but these businesses also play a vital role in our economy, often providing important jobs for our high school and college students a few months a year. Increased regulations on these businesses ultimately hurt hardworking families.”

To address the problem, the Outdoor Recreation Enhancement Act clarifies and expands an existing exemption to wage and hour laws for seasonal recreational establishments under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The bill will broaden the exemption, which currently exempts ski resorts, to include businesses involved in rafting, horseback riding, hiking, cycling, and other seasonal recreational businesses.

Federal agencies are implementing a $10.10 minimum wage and other record-keeping requirements by including Department of Labor standard contract clauses on new permits issued in 2015 and thereafter. The Department of Labor standard contract language on permits requires outfitters to enforce minimum wage and overtime among their "subcontractors."

Along with Representative Stewart co-sponsors include Representatives Doug Lamborn (CO-5), Paul A. Gosar (AZ-4), Ryan Zinke (MT), Cynthia Lummis (WY), Mark E. Amodei (NV-2), Mike Coffman (CO-6), and Jason Chaffetz (UT-3).  Please call your Representative's office if they are cosponsoring and thank them. Ask for their office when you call the House of Representatives switchboard at 202-225-3121.