Table 1
Six states have weakened child labor protections so far in 2024
| Bill | Bill details | Select bill supporters |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | ||
| SB 53 | Eliminates work permits for minors below age 16 | Foundation for Government Accountability |
| Florida | ||
| HB 49 | Allows employers to schedule 16–17-year-olds to work more than 8 hours per day on Sundays and holidays and for more than six days in a row year-round, mandates rest breaks for 16–17-year-olds only for 8+ hour shifts | Foundation for Government Accountability, National Federation of Independent Business Florida |
| HB 917 | Allows employers to hire 16–17-year-olds to work on residential building construction sites with no specific prohibition on roofing work at heights below 6 ft. (federal law prohibits 16–17-year-olds from all roofing work, including on the ground) | Associated Builders and Contractors, Florida Home Builders Association |
| Indiana | ||
| SB 146 | Lowers age to serve alcohol, sets 10-minute grace period before violations can be considered | Indiana Restaurant and Lodging Association |
| HB 1093 | Excludes from protections child performers and 14- year-olds who do not attend school, extends hours for 14–15-year-olds to 9 p.m. on school nights between June 1 and Labor Day, eliminates requirement that minor be accompanied by an adult for work establishments open to the public at night, eliminates hours restrictions for 16–17-year-olds, eliminates hazardous agricultural work protections for 16–17-year-olds | Foundation for Government Accountability |
| Iowa | ||
| SF 2109 | Allows 14-year-olds to drive up to 25 miles to/from work unsupervised | Iowa Hotel and Lodging Association, Iowa Restaurant Association |
| Kentucky | ||
| SB 128 | Allows nonprofits to hire 12–13-year-olds in “work programs” | |
| West Virginia | ||
| HB 5162 | Expands hazardous work in roofing for 16–17-year-olds through youth apprenticeship program |
Source: EPI analysis of state legislative activity and news related to child labor legislation.
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