Table 1
In the past two years, at least 10 states have introduced or passed laws rolling back child labor protections: State child labor legislation activity, 2021–2023
| Bill | Bill details | Status | Year | Industry supporters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | ||||
| HB 1410 | Eliminates age verification and parent/guardian permission requirements | Enacted | 2023 | |
| Iowa | ||||
| SF 167 | Lifts restrictions on hazardous work; lowers age for alcohol service; extends work hours; grants employer immunity from civil liability for workplace injuries, illness, death | Introduced | 2023 | Americans for Prosperity; Home Builders Association of Iowa; Iowa National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB); Iowa Farm Equipment Dealers Association; Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI); Iowa Hotel and Lodging Association; Iowa Restaurant Association |
| HF 2198 | Lowers minimum age of child care workers; increased staff-to-child ratios | Enacted | 2022 | Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce |
| Minnesota | ||||
| SF 375 | Lifts restrictions on hazardous work | Introduced | 2023 | BATC–Housing First Minnesota lobbied to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to work in construction in 2019 |
| SF 1102 | Extends work hours | Introduced | 2023 | |
| Missouri | ||||
| SB 175 | Eliminates work certificate requirement for 16–17-year-olds | Introduced | 2023 | Opportunity Solutions Project (Foundation for Government Accountability) |
| Nebraska | ||||
| LB 15 | Subminimum wage for youth | Introduced | 2023 | Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Nebraska Grocery Industry Association |
| New Hampshire | ||||
| SB 345 | Lowers age to bus tables where alcohol is served; extends work hours | Enacted | 2022 | New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association; New Hampshire Liquor Commission |
| New Jersey | ||||
| A4222 | Extends work hours; increases time before break | Enacted | 2022 | New Jersey Chamber of Commerce; New Jersey Business and Industry Association |
| Ohio | ||||
| SB 30 | Extends work hours | Passed in the Senate | 2023 | Americans for Prosperity; Pickerington Area Chamber of Commerce; Ohio NFIB; Ohio Restaurant Association |
| South Dakota | ||||
| HB 1180 | Extends work hours | Introduced; withdrawn | 2023 | |
| Wisconsin | ||||
| SB 332 | Extends work hours | Passed in the House and Senate; vetoed by the governor | 2021–2022 | Wisconsin Grocers Association; Wisconsin Independent Businesses, Inc.; Wisconsin NFIB; Association of Wisconsin Tourism Attractions; Wisconsin Hotel and Lodging Association |
Source: EPI analysis of state legislative activity and news related to child labor legislation.
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