In the past two years, seven states have introduced bills to strengthen protections for child labor, and four have enacted them
| Bill | Bill details | Status | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | |||
| SB 390 | Increases penalties for child labor violations | Enacted | 2023 |
| California | |||
| AB 800 | Educates high school students about workplace and union rights | Enacted | 2023 |
| Colorado | |||
| HB 1196 | Allows injured victims of illegal child labor to sue for damages | Enacted | 2023 |
| Michigan | |||
| HB 4932 | Eliminates waiver for night work among 16-17 year-olds; increases criminal penalties; allows victims to sue for damages; adds retaliation protections | Introduced | 2023 |
| Illinois | |||
| HB 1258 | Reduces hours per week but removes limit of 8 hours per day for minors under 16 | Introduced | 2023 |
| SB 1782 | Requires parents to set aside earnings for children featured in monetized social media videos, allows child to take legal action if not properly compensated | Enacted | 2023 |
| Virginia | |||
| HB 876 | Bans child labor on tobacco farms | Introduced | 2022 |
| Pennsylvania | |||
| HB 1354 | Increases criminal penalties for first and repeat violations | Passed House | 2023 |
| HB 1714 | Increases criminal penalties, but requires reporting on violations and enforcement to ICE and HHS | Introduced | 2023 |
| Memo | Protects child influencers and children featured in their parent/guardian’s content | Seeking co-sponsors | 2023 |
Source: EPI analysis of state bills and legislation.