Catherwood LibraryILR School

A Florida House committee has advanced a bill that would repeal the Labor Pool Act, a state law protecting day laborers, but its Senate counterpart has been delayed. Supporters of HB 6033, like Rep. Shane Abbott, argue the 1995 law is outdated and overlaps with federal labor protections. Critics, including labor advocates, say the repeal would strip essential safeguards from vulnerable workers in industries like construction and agriculture—especially since Florida lacks its own OSHA enforcement agency. Opponents also point out that a company backing the bill, Pacesetter Personnel Services, has faced past labor abuse allegations. The bill’s future is uncertain, as the Senate version was postponed with little time left in the session.