Stricter Child Labor Rules in Agriculture: Higher Penalties and Safety Mandates.
This law significantly restricts the employment of children under 18 in agriculture by eliminating historical exceptions that allowed them to work in hazardous conditions. It establishes a strict ban on employment for children under 14 (except on parental farms) and prohibits minors (under 18) from handling pesticides. Furthermore, it drastically increases financial penalties and introduces potential prison sentences for severe child labor violations, enhancing the safety of young workers.
Key points
Increased Minimum Age: Children under 14 are generally prohibited from working in agriculture, closing loopholes that previously existed (except for working on a parent's farm outside school hours).
Pesticide Ban: Minors under 18 are prohibited from performing tasks related to handling, mixing, or applying pesticides due to health risks.
Harsher Penalties: Fines for illegal child labor violations are substantially increased (up to $15,000 per employee), and willful violations resulting in serious injury or death can lead to criminal charges and up to 5 years imprisonment.
Mandatory Reporting: Employers must report serious work-related injuries, illnesses, or deaths of minor agricultural workers within 5 days, improving safety data collection.
Introduced
Citizen Poll