Illinois Updates Child Labor Regulations for the First Time in Over a Century
- Illinois has updated its child labor regulations for the first time in over a century, with a focus on protecting younger workers.
- The new law, signed by Governor JB Pritzker, prohibits minors aged 15 and under from working more than 18 hours during the school week.
- The AFL-CIO has expressed support for these changes as an important step in safeguarding children's rights in the workforce.
In a significant legislative move, Illinois has revised its child labor laws for the first time in more than 100 years, a change that has garnered praise from the AFL-CIO. Governor JB Pritzker signed Senate Bill 3646, which introduces stricter working conditions for minors aged 15 and younger. Key provisions include limiting work hours to 18 per week during the school year and 40 hours during school breaks, while also prohibiting minors from working in certain high-risk industries such as cannabis dispensaries and gambling establishments. State Senator Robert Peters, the bill's chief sponsor, emphasized that the motivation for this update stemmed from a national trend of relaxing child labor laws amid workforce challenges post-pandemic. The new legislation aims to protect young workers by establishing clear guidelines that reflect modern societal needs, moving away from outdated regulations rooted in the industrial revolution. The bill also introduces significant penalties for violations, including fines of up to $60,000 if a child dies on the job due to employer negligence. AFL-CIO representative Drea expressed hope that Illinois' proactive stance will inspire other states to adopt similar measures, highlighting the importance of balancing work and education for students. While some provisions of the new law took effect immediately upon the governor's signature, others are scheduled to be implemented on January 1, marking a pivotal shift in the state's approach to child labor.