Housing (Renters · Agriculture)

The FARM Stability Act proposes changes to wage requirements for H-2A temporary agricultural workers in the United States. It would require the Secretary of Labor to establish a two-tiered wage system based on skill levels, with higher pay for workers who have formal training or significant experience compared to entry-level workers. The bill also mandates that wages account for housing costs by calculating an hourly adjustment factor based on average fair market rent for four-bedroom units, limited to 30 percent of the base wage rate. These provisions would directly affect employers hiring H-2A workers and the workers themselves by modifying how minimum wages are determined and adjusted annually.

S 885 establishes a permanent program to preserve rural affordable housing by protecting low-income residents in properties financed under USDA rural housing loans (sections 514, 515, or 516). It requires annual notices to owners about maturing loans and to tenants about housing security options, including rental assistance renewal for up to 20 years. Key mechanisms include adjusting loan terms (reducing interest or deferring payments), requiring binding agreements to maintain affordability, and providing technical assistance to prevent loss of housing. The bill directly affects rural low-income tenants, farm laborers, and property owners, with $200 million annually authorized for 2026-2030 to support these efforts.