Senate Bill 698 aims to enhance the rights and protections of agricultural employees in Tennessee by establishing a new chapter in the Tennessee Code Annotated under Title 50. The bill defines key terms such as "adverse action," "agricultural employee," and "whistleblower," and prohibits agricultural employers from retaliating against employees who assert their rights or based on their immigration status. It also outlines the process for employees to file claims in court or with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, including provisions for minimum wage, meal and rest periods, and overtime pay. Additionally, the bill mandates that employers provide access to key service providers and basic necessities, and it establishes an agricultural work advisory committee to recommend appropriate wages and working conditions.

The bill includes specific requirements for employers, such as posting written notices of employee rights, ensuring protection from heat- or cold-related stress, and prohibiting wage theft. It also stipulates that the Department of Labor and Workforce Development will create rules to enforce these provisions. The act will take effect upon becoming law for rule promulgation purposes, while other provisions will be effective starting January 1, 2026, applying to conduct occurring on or after that date.