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HB 1180 Extends work hours Introduced; withdrawn 2023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.

View the underlying data on epi.org.