Bill > S509

This bill amends the Fair Labor Standards Act to create a specific exemption from certain child labor restrictions for 16- and 17-year-old workers in logging operations. The bill provides detailed definitions of what constitutes a "logging operation" and a "mechanized operation", which include activities like felling timber, transporting logs, constructing and maintaining logging roads and equipment, and using specialized machinery such as whole tree processors, feller-bunchers, and log loaders. The key provision allows 16- and 17-year-old workers to be employed in logging operations, with one important exception: the child labor protections will still apply to jobs that the Secretary of Labor determines are particularly hazardous for minors. However, the bill creates a separate exemption for minors working for their parent or a person standing in place of a parent in a logging operation owned or operated by that parent. This legislation appears aimed at creating more workforce opportunities for young workers in the logging industry while maintaining some baseline safety protections.

Health and Social Services

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/509/all-info