State lawmakers advance detasseling bill to protect Nebraska youth workers

https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/state-lawmakers-advance-detasseling-bill-to-protect-nebraska-youth-workers/


By: Zach Wendling - February 20, 2024 1:44 pm

LINCOLN — Nebraska lawmakers moved one step closer Tuesday to clarifying that seed corn producers in Nebraska should hire local youths for detasseling before using temporary, nonimmigrant workers.

Legislative Bill 844, introduced by State Sen. Steve Erdman of Bayard, would clarify in the Farm Labor Standards Act that seed corn producers are required to solicit bids from contractors who seasonally employ largely younger workers who are recruited locally before H-2A workers.

Erdman said this would protect young people who want to detassel but cannot find work.

“This is an opportunity for us to protect the local workforce,” he said during floor debate.

FULL story at link above.