These bills could roll back Florida child labor restrictions. What do they do?

Proposed Bills in Florida Legislature Could Impact Child Labor Protections

Two proposed bills in Florida’s Legislature could roll back child labor protections and allow some teenagers to work longer hours on school days and in hazardous professions. The bills resemble legislation in several other states and have sparked concerns about the well-being of young workers.

The House bill, known as HB 49, proposes removing all guidelines regulating when 16- and 17-year-olds can work. Current law sets limits on the number of hours teenagers can work on school days and prohibits them from working during school hours. The bill also eliminates guaranteed meal breaks for these teens.

The Senate bill, known as SB 460, would allow children ages 16 and 17 to work in hazardous professions such as roofing and construction if they have received proper certification and are under supervision. This provision has raised concerns about the safety of young workers.

What Would the House Bill Do?

HB 49, filed by Rep. Linda Chaney, R-St. Pete Beach, proposes removing all guidelines regulating when 16- and 17-year-olds can work. Current law sets limits on the number of hours teenagers can work on school days and prohibits them from working during school hours. The bill also eliminates guaranteed meal breaks for these teens.

Although the bill has no Senate companion, it is scheduled for its first House committee hearing on Wednesday.

Who is Behind It?

The House bill was written by the conservative advocacy group Foundation for Government Accountability and passed along to Rep. Chaney’s legislative aide. The group receives significant funding from billionaire donor Richard Uihlein. The Senate bill is supported by the Associated Builders and Contractors and Florida Home Builders Associations, two powerful industry lobbying groups.

What is in the Senate Bill?

The Senate bill, filed by Sen. Corey Simon, R-Tallahassee, would allow children ages 16 and 17 to work in hazardous professions such as roofing and construction if they have received an Occupational Safety and Health Administration certification and are under supervision. This provision has raised concerns about the safety of young workers.

Who is Behind It?

The Senate bill was provided by a lobbyist with the Associated Builders and Contractors and copied to an employee of the Florida Home Builders Association. The provision about teenagers working on roofing or construction sites was requested by the homebuilders.

What are the Concerns about the Proposals?

Critics argue that these proposed bills could jeopardize the health and safety of teenagers, contribute to more teens dropping out of school, and exploit low-wage labor. They also raise concerns about the potential violation of child labor laws and the impact on equal access to education.

What is Happening in Other States?

Several states have passed legislation to ease restrictions on child labor, including allowing younger children to work in certain industries and extending work hours. At least 16 states have introduced or passed legislation that loosens child labor restrictions.

What is Happening with Child Labor Nationwide?

Child labor continues to be a concern in the United States, particularly in industries like agriculture. Violations of child labor laws have been reported, with minors working in hazardous occupations.

What’s Going on in Florida’s Workforce?

Florida is experiencing a worker shortage across various industries, including healthcare, teaching, construction, agriculture, and restaurants.

What Comes Next?

The House and Senate bills will go through committee hearings and require matching language in both chambers to become law. At present, there is no matching language for either bill.

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