Weakening of Child Labor Laws

“Federal and state entities should be working together to increase accountability and ramp up enforcement — not make it easier to illegally hire children to do what are often dangerous jobs. No child should be working in dangerous workplaces in this country, full stop.”

–Labor Solicitor Seema Nanda

Recently, there has been a growing movement in several states, including Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, and Ohio, to roll back child labor protections. This movement is being driven by a conservative group called the Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA).

A new Arkansas law that eliminates work permits and age verification for workers under 16 was written by the FGA, which faced public outcry and led to a second measure increasing penalties for violators of child labor codes.

These proposed state child labor laws have been criticized by the White House as "irresponsible" and a risk to children's safety. Those in favor of these bills argue that they will reduce red tape and give parents more control over their children's employment choices.

Advocates of child welfare and some business leaders are concerned that it may lead to the endangerment of children on the job and will encourage school dropouts. Several legislators supporting the FGA's policies have also imposed limitations, such as requiring parental permission for child workers in Missouri.

What do you think?

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