More states have strengthened child labor laws than weakened them in 2024!

In 2024, we have had success in pushing back against harmful child labor law rollbacks, achieving significant victories in strengthening protections. Contrary to alarming trends of weakening child labor safeguards, the majority of state legislative actions this year focused on bolstering protections for young workers. Our advocacy leveraged growing awareness of exploitative practices to counter proposals that would have endangered children by exposing them to hazardous conditions. 

States like New Jersey, Maine, Minnesota, and Michigan passed laws enhancing protections for young workers. These measures include tightening restrictions on work hours for minors, improving safety standards in workplaces, and addressing loopholes that had previously allowed employers to exploit young employees. Such legislative efforts reflect the growing acknowledgment of the need to modernize child labor laws to address contemporary challenges, including increasing reports of violations.¹ 

Despite these victories, the push to weaken child labor laws continues in other states. Notably, Iowa and Arkansas implemented laws that expand the types of work minors can perform and relax restrictions on hours, including hazardous roles. These rollbacks signal a troubling trend, with proponents arguing they address workforce shortages—a rationale criticized for exposing minors to exploitation. 

Freedom United is committed to maintaining momentum by pushing for stronger federal regulations to close gaps exploited by unethical employers. This year’s achievements underscore the importance of persistent advocacy in combating legislative efforts that jeopardize young workers.