Kim Kardashian just threw her support behind new legislation that, if passed, would ensure all incarcerated workers receive the federal minimum wage. The bill, reintroduced on Thursday, March 19, by Democratic Sen. Cory Booker, aims to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act.
According to People Magazine, it would require that prisoners working be paid the federal minimum wage. On top of that, it looks to eliminate “excessive” deductions for fees, fines, and living costs within correctional facilities.
Kardashian, who has become a really vocal criminal justice reform advocate in recent years, joined Booker’s new push because of what she personally witnessed during last year’s Los Angeles wildfires. “They showed so much bravery and commitment doing the same dangerous work as professional firefighters, but they were paid just a few dollars a day,” she stated.
While I don’t agree with Kim K on a lot, I do agree with her on this
Kardashian also pointed out that in many cases, these brave individuals are “banned from even applying for firefighting jobs once they’re released.” That’s a kicker, isn’t it? She summed up the situation perfectly, saying, “That’s not just unfair, it’s un-American.”
Booker, who represents New Jersey, first introduced this legislation in 2023. Unfortunately, it stalled after being referred to the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. According to the ACLU, incarcerated workers contribute billions of dollars annually to the U.S. economy. Despite this huge economic contribution, they aren’t paid the same as regular workers just because they are behind bars for their crimes.
The time has come to end the exploitation of prison workers across the country.
— Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (@repcleaver) March 19, 2026
That’s why I’m introducing the Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act with @CoryBooker and @RepKamlagerDove.https://t.co/U8DiVuvocu
This disparity is pretty controversial among advocates, and for good reason. Terrance Winn, a prison reform activist, shared an eye-opening statement through Booker’s office. He revealed that during his 30 years of labor while incarcerated, he made no more than 16 cents per hour. Imagine working for three decades at that rate; it’s just mind-boggling.
Booker himself weighed in, stating that his legislation could genuinely help fight recidivism. “Incarcerated workers contribute meaningful labor that supports our economy and our communities, yet they are denied a fair wage that could help support victims and assist in their reentry,” he explained.
Year 1 reform: ~$12.5B to fairly pay incarcerated workers for skilled jobs.
— Dylan Nabors (@virtualplaya07) March 18, 2026
Recidivism costs $14–$24B/year—we spend more on failure than the fix.
Reform saves $ + safer communities. Sign: https://t.co/JOYCFmnxvm If your loved one was inside, wouldn't you want this?
Kardashian isn’t new to this fight. In 2023, she and her sister Khloe teamed up with REFORM Alliance’s Future Shapers Advisory Council to visit the California State Prison in Los Angeles County to learn more about their experiences. Before that, after learning of sexual abuse victim Dawn Jackson’s decades-long imprisonment, Kardashian launched a campaign that culminated in Jackson’s sentence being commuted in 2024.
When it comes to the firefighters, she has been consistently speaking up for them, even petitioning Governor Newsom to help them. It is important to note that in the apocalyptic wildfires last year, 400 of the firefighters were inmates.
They are serving time as a debt to society for whatever crimes against society they committed. Putting them to work should be part of that debt.
— Lou (@LouOGLV) March 19, 2026
This new bill isn’t just getting Kardashian’s backing. It’s also endorsed by Representatives Emanuel Cleaver and Sydney Kamlager-Dove, who will introduce companion legislation in the House. Plus, big organizations like the ACLU, the Brennan Center for Justice, and others are also on board.
