Child labor laws could be strengthened in Illinois under new bill
A new bill would strengthen child labor laws in Illinois, including providing more protections and provisions for people 16 and under.
Senate Bill 3646 was filed by Sen. Robert Peters, D-Chicago, and would put limitations hours minors could work, including not working more than 8 hours in a single 24-hour period or more than 3 hours per day or more than 8 hours total of work and school hours on days when school is in session.
The new bill would also ensure children 13 and under would not be allowed to get a working permit.
The proposed legislation would also provide protections for children who are featured in online content and would require that they receive compensation for any appearances made in online content.
“We have to lay down rules that put our children's wellbeing first ensuring that there are no loopholes for them to be treated with anything less than the dignity and respect they deserve for when they are employed,” Peters said in a recent news conference.
Peters' proposed legislation comes not long after states surrounding Illinois weakened their child labor laws.
Last month, Wisconsin introduced a bill that would eliminate the requirement for work permits for minors who are 14 and 15 years old.
Kentucky passed a bill that would increase work hours for 14- and 15-yearolds during school days from six hours to eight.
Iowa introduced a bill that was considered extreme for proposing to lift restrictions on hazardous work for minors as young as 14.
Many of the proposed bills contradict federal standards that have been put in place to protect minors.
Senate Bill 3646 is currently waiting for consideration of the full Senate.
Contact Hope Gadson: hgad- son@gannett.com