Bipartisan Bill Targeting Child Labor Penalties Reintroduced – Law360

Report on the Reintroduction of Child Labor Penalties Bill in the U.S. House

Introduction

On January 12, 2026, a bipartisan effort in the U.S. House of Representatives saw the reintroduction of a bill aimed at increasing civil and criminal penalties for child labor violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This legislative initiative represents a significant step towards strengthening child labor protections in the United States.

Legislative Details

1. Bill Purpose: To raise both civil and criminal penalties associated with violations of child labor laws as stipulated in the FLSA.
2. Bipartisan Support: The bill is reintroduced by members of both the Democratic and Republican parties, highlighting cross-party commitment.
3. Focus on Enforcement: The enhanced penalties aim to deter violations and ensure stricter compliance with child labor regulations.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth: By strengthening penalties for child labor, the bill promotes decent work conditions and economic growth by protecting children from exploitation and ensuring fair labor practices.
• SDG 4 – Quality Education: Reducing child labor supports increased school attendance and educational attainment, contributing to quality education for all children.
• SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Enhancing legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms aligns with building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.

Implications and Next Steps

1. Legislative Process: The bill will undergo further debate and consideration in the House, with potential amendments and committee reviews.
2. Stakeholder Engagement: Advocacy groups, labor organizations, and policymakers are expected to engage in discussions to support the bill’s objectives.
3. Monitoring and Enforcement: If enacted, increased penalties will necessitate enhanced monitoring and enforcement efforts to ensure compliance.

Conclusion

The reintroduction of this bill marks a critical advancement in the U.S. commitment to eradicating child labor and upholding the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals. By reinforcing legal protections and penalties, the legislation aims to foster a safer, more equitable labor environment for children, thereby contributing to sustainable development and social justice.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article discusses legislative efforts to increase penalties for child labor violations, directly relating to promoting decent work conditions and economic growth.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • By focusing on raising civil and criminal penalties, the article touches on strengthening institutions and justice systems to enforce labor laws.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 8 – Target 8.7: “Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor.”
2. SDG 16 – Target 16.3: “Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.”

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for Target 8.7: Proportion and number of children aged 5–17 years engaged in child labor, by sector and age.
2. Indicator for Target 16.3: Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months who reported their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized conflict resolution mechanisms.
3. The article implies the use of legal enforcement metrics such as the number of penalties imposed for child labor violations and changes in child labor rates as measures of progress.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: law360.com