child labor laws

Four U.S. states (Indiana, Nebraska, Washington, and West Virginia) enacted laws this year that weakened child labor protections, according to the Economic Policy Institute. Changes include lower minimum wages for teens, relaxed hour limits for youth apprenticeships, and reduced reporting requirements for employers.

Four states—Indiana, Nebraska, Washington, and West Virginia—enacted laws this year to weaken child labor protections, including lowering minimum wages for teens, extending work hours, and reducing safety requirements. Thirteen other states considered similar legislation, while Oregon passed a law to strengthen child labor standards.