Florida lawmakers are reigniting a heated debate over child labor laws, proposing a controversial amendment that would allow teens as young as 14 to work overnight shifts.
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While supporters emphasize the potential benefits of tackling labor shortages and promoting adolescent self-reliance, critics fear the undermining of vital developmental years.
The proposed amendment, Senate Bill 918, recently cleared a Florida Senate committee.
This bill permits 16- and 17-year-olds to exceed an eight-hour workday, and more than 30 hours a week, even on school days, without required breaks, reports CBS 12.
Expanding on existing policies, the bill also grants opportunities for home-schooled teens or those attending virtual school to enter the workforce as young as 14.
Proponents claim this aligns with federal regulations and highlights parental decision-making in their children’s work lives.
“What we are doing is lining Florida up with Federal law. This is a parental rights thing. Parents know their kids best,” stated Jay Collins, the bill’s sponsor.
Opposition voices, led by Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith, raise alarms over potential exploitation.
They argue that increased working hours can lead to sleep deprivation and hinder academic success, leaving adolescents vulnerable.
Smith further highlighted that using minors to remedy labor shortages is a misguided solution that undervalues their education.
Business groups support the legislative efforts, pointing to the current labor shortages made worse by anti-immigrant policies.
This has forced businesses to consider creative solutions, such as involving young workers who seek entry into the job market.
The Florida PTA and other family-oriented organizations remain wary of such amendments.
They argue it could disrupt the delicate balance between work and the educational responsibilities of growing teens.
“I think we need to let kids be kids. I think the guardrails that we’re removing, even though it may be part of federal law, not in favor of it,” emphasized Republican Senator Joe Gruters, resisting key changes.
Ultimately, as this legislative session continues, the proposed bill will face further scrutiny through upcoming committee votes.
If passed, it could significantly alter child labor laws in Florida starting July 1, 2025, inevitably redefining youth employment dynamics.
FL House approves rollback of child labor laws, letting teens to work more than 30 hours a week https://t.co/GmRLBpUfLB via @FLPhoenixNews
— A.C. Castillo Ⓜ️ (@castilloa) February 4, 2024
