Bill > S1742

This bill amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to specifically prohibit employment of children under 18 years old in tobacco-related agriculture, classifying such work as oppressive child labor. Currently, the law restricts children from working in certain hazardous occupations, and this bill adds a new provision that makes it illegal for anyone under 18 to have direct contact with tobacco plants or dried tobacco leaves. By modifying the existing language about child labor restrictions, the bill aims to protect young workers from the potential health risks associated with handling tobacco, such as nicotine exposure and pesticide contact. The legislation builds upon existing protections in labor laws that already restrict children from working in manufacturing and mining, now extending similar protections to the agricultural tobacco sector. This targeted approach seeks to safeguard the health and well-being of minors by preventing their involvement in potentially harmful agricultural work related to tobacco production.

Health and Social Services

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1742/all-info