The Iowa legislature has passed a Republican-led bill that would roll back child labor protections, including the hours teens are allowed to work and the establishments where they can be employed.
If signed by Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds – who has expressed support for the measure – the bill would allow 14- and 15-year-olds to work two additional hours per day when school is in session, from four to six hours. They would also be able to work until 9 p.m. during most of the year and until 11 p.m. from June 1 to Labor Day, two hours later than previously allowed. The bill would also allow 16- and 17-year-olds to work the same hours as an adult.
Supporters say the relaxed laws would provide greater job opportunities for teens, though opponents have raised concerns that certain occupations permitted under the bill could place children in harm’s way and take their focus away from school and extracurricular activities. The legislation is one of several youth employment bills across the country aiming to relax child labor protections.
The bill has undergone fierce debate in recent weeks and lawmakers made several amendments to the legislation before it passed both chambers this week.
One of the provisions of the bill would allow teens as young as 16 to serve alcohol in restaurants during the hours food is being served if their employer has written permission from their parent or guardian.
A recently added bipartisan amendment would require two adults to be present while the teen serves alcohol and for the teen to complete “training on prevention and response to sexual harassment.” If they report a workplace harassment incident, employers are required to notify their parent or guardian and the state’s civil rights commission.
Among expanded work environments outlined in the legislation, 14- and 15-year-olds would be able to do…
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