Senate Committee on Labor Votes Out Legislation to Reform State’s Child Labor Laws, Protect Michigan Children

Senate Committee on Labor Votes Out Legislation to Reform State’s Child Labor Laws, Protect Michigan Children  Michigan Senate Democrats

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Oct 22, 2024 - 13:30
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Senate Committee on Labor Votes Out Legislation to Reform State’s Child Labor Laws, Protect Michigan Children

Bills to Strengthen Michigan’s Child Labor Laws

Introduction

LANSING, Mich. (Oct. 16, 2024) — Today, the Senate Labor Committee passed a set of bills to strengthen Michigan’s child labor laws. The legislation, sponsored by Sens. Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit), Mary Cavanagh (Redford Twp.), and Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton), would increase penalties and fines for businesses found employing minors illegally or subjecting them to unsafe working conditions.

Sustainable Development Goals

The proposed package aligns with the following Sustainable Development Goals:

  • Goal 4: Quality Education
  • Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
  • Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Key Provisions

The proposed package, made up of Senate Bills 963 and 965, transfers the authority to issue work permits for minors from the Michigan Dept. of Education to the Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO). This shift aims to streamline the process and ensure better enforcement of child labor laws.

Statements from Sponsors

Sen. Santana emphasized the importance of protecting Michigan’s children and youth workers while providing them with opportunities for growth and development. Sen. Cavanagh highlighted the need to send a clear message that child exploitation will not be tolerated. Sen. Camilleri stressed the importance of creating safe environments for Michigan’s young people.

Registration System

The legislation establishes a new registration system under LEO for the employment of minors. This system requires minors or their parents to submit contact information and any physical limitations the minor may have. The online registration system is accessible at no cost.

Penalties and Fines

The legislation increases the penalties for employers violating the Youth Employment Standards Act (YESA) as follows:

  1. For the first offense, a one-year misdemeanor and/or a fine up to $5,000
  2. For the second offense, a two-year felony and/or a fine up to $25,000
  3. For the third or subsequent offense, a five-year felony and/or a fine up to $50,000

Furthermore, the bills introduce harsher penalties for cases where a minor is killed or severely injured while working in violation of YESA. The employer would face a felony charge and a fine between $50,000 and $500,000. The first offense would result in a five-year felony, the second offense in a 10-year felony, and a third or subsequent offense in a 20-year felony.

Next Steps

The bills will now move to the Senate floor for consideration by the full chamber.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

  • SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
  • SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 8 as they focus on strengthening child labor laws and ensuring safe working conditions for minors. SDG 16 is also relevant as it emphasizes the need for strong institutions and justice systems to protect the rights of children and enforce labor laws.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

  • SDG 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.
  • SDG 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children.

The article’s content highlights the need to strengthen child labor laws, increase penalties for businesses employing minors illegally, and ensure safe working conditions for minors. These actions align with the targets under SDG 8.7 and SDG 16.2.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

  • Number of businesses found employing minors illegally
  • Number of businesses subjecting minors to unsafe working conditions
  • Number of penalties and fines imposed on businesses violating child labor laws
  • Number of work permits issued by the Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) for minors
  • Number of exceptions granted by LEO to the Youth Employment Standards Act (YESA)

The article mentions the increase in penalties and fines for businesses violating child labor laws, the transfer of work permit authority to LEO, and the establishment of a new registration system under LEO. These indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs Targets Indicators
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth 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.
  • Number of businesses found employing minors illegally
  • Number of businesses subjecting minors to unsafe working conditions
  • Number of penalties and fines imposed on businesses violating child labor laws
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
  • Number of work permits issued by the Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) for minors
  • Number of exceptions granted by LEO to the Youth Employment Standards Act (YESA)

Source: senatedems.com