Fact Check: Laws protecting minors from child labor in the US have already been repealed in certain states

The Claim: "Laws protecting minors from child labor in the US have already been repealed in certain states"

Introduction

The claim suggests that some states in the U.S. have repealed laws designed to protect minors from child labor. This assertion raises significant concerns about the welfare of children in the workforce and the implications of such legislative changes. Various reports indicate that there is indeed a trend towards loosening child labor regulations in certain states, but the specifics of these changes and their impact require careful examination.

What We Know

1. Legislative Changes: Reports indicate that several states, particularly those led by Republican lawmakers, have enacted or proposed laws that roll back child labor protections. For example, Iowa, Missouri, Ohio, and Arkansas have been highlighted as states where new legislation has been passed or is pending that allows minors to work under less stringent conditions 134.

2. Specific Laws: In Iowa, a law was signed that eliminates the requirement for work permits for minors, which previously ensured that the state verified the ages of workers under 16 4. This change has raised alarms about the potential for increased exploitation of young workers.

3. Increased Violations: The U.S. Department of Labor has reported a significant increase in violations of child labor laws, with an 88% rise in the number of children employed in violation of these laws since 2019 9. This statistic underscores the potential consequences of weakening child labor protections.

4. Diverse Legislative Trends: While some states are rolling back protections, others are moving in the opposite direction, with at least 13 states seeking to strengthen child labor laws 3. This indicates a complex and varied landscape regarding child labor legislation across the country.

Analysis

The sources cited provide a mix of perspectives on the issue, but their reliability and potential biases must be critically assessed:

• NPR 1 is generally regarded as a reputable news organization, known for its thorough reporting and fact-checking. However, it is important to note that NPR may present stories with a progressive lens, particularly on social issues, which could influence the framing of the narrative around child labor laws.

• The Washington Post 3 is another credible source, known for its investigative journalism. The report highlights the legislative changes and provides context about the broader implications of these laws, though it may also reflect a critical stance towards the rollback of protections.

• The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) 57 is a think tank that often advocates for labor rights and may have a vested interest in portraying the weakening of child labor laws negatively. While their data on violations is alarming, it is essential to consider their potential bias in framing the issue.

• 247 Wall St. 4 and U.S. News 6 provide additional insights into specific state laws but may not have the same level of editorial oversight as more established news organizations. Their analyses should be viewed with caution, particularly regarding their interpretation of legislative intent.

• Truthout 9 and State Innovation Exchange 10 are advocacy-oriented sources that may emphasize the negative consequences of legislative changes. Their reports are valuable for understanding the activist perspective but should be cross-referenced with more neutral sources for a balanced view.

The methodologies behind the claims of increased child labor violations, as reported by the Department of Labor, would benefit from further transparency regarding how these statistics were gathered and analyzed. Additionally, more comprehensive data on the actual working conditions of minors in states with relaxed laws would provide a clearer picture of the situation.

Conclusion

Verdict: True

The evidence supports the claim that laws protecting minors from child labor have been repealed or weakened in certain states within the U.S. Key legislative changes in states like Iowa, Missouri, Ohio, and Arkansas indicate a trend towards less stringent regulations, which raises concerns about the potential exploitation of young workers. The reported 88% increase in violations of child labor laws since 2019 further underscores the implications of these changes.

However, it is important to note that while some states are loosening protections, others are actively seeking to strengthen child labor laws, reflecting a complex and varied legislative landscape. This divergence highlights the need for a nuanced understanding of the issue, as the situation is not uniform across the country.

Additionally, the available evidence has limitations, particularly regarding the methodologies used to gather data on child labor violations and the working conditions of minors. More comprehensive and transparent data would be beneficial for a clearer assessment of the impact of these legislative changes.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider multiple perspectives when assessing claims related to child labor laws and their implications.

Sources

1. New State Laws Are Rolling Back Regulations On Child Labor - NPR: https://www.npr.org/2023/04/27/1172544561/new-state-laws-are-rolling-back-regulations-on-child-labor
2. Understanding Federal and State Child Labor Laws - NIST: https://www.nist.gov/blogs/manufacturing-innovation-blog/understanding-federal-and-state-child-labor-laws
3. Changes to child labor law being proposed across America - Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/03/31/us-child-labor-laws-state-bills/
4. The States Rolling Back Child Labor Protection Laws - 247 Wall St.: https://247wallst.com/special-report/2023/06/21/the-states-rolling-back-child-labor-protection-laws/
5. Child labor laws are under attack in states across the country - Economic Policy Institute: https://www.epi.org/publication/child-labor-laws-under-attack/
6. States Are Loosening Child Labor Laws | Best States | U.S. News: https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/articles/2023-06-26/states-are-loosening-child-labor-laws
7. Child labor remains a key state legislative issue in 2024 - Economic Policy Institute: https://www.epi.org/blog/child-labor-remains-a-key-state-legislative-issue-in-2024-state-lawmakers-must-seize-opportunities-to-strengthen-standards-resist-ongoing-attacks-on-child-labor-laws/
8. Child Labor Laws Just Changed in Five States - Newsweek: https://www.newsweek.com/child-labor-laws-changed-five-states-2008126
9. State Lawmakers Are Quietly Rolling Back Child Labor Protections - Truthout: https://truthout.org/articles/state-lawmakers-are-quietly-rolling-back-child-labor-protections/
10. How States Can Stop the Corporate Campaign To Roll ... - State Innovation Exchange: https://stateinnovation.org/childlabor