Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Child Labor topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Senate committee advances bill loosening some child‑labor restrictions; witnesses and senators sharply divided
Summary
CS for SB 918, which would remove many restrictions on hours for 16‑ and 17‑year‑olds and exempt some 14‑ and 15‑year‑olds in narrow cases, was reported favorably after debate. Supporters framed it as parental‑rights expansion and opportunity; opponents warned it would increase exploitation, school absenteeism and child‑labor risks.
The Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee reported favorably on CS for SB 918, legislation that would align parts of Florida child‑labor law with federal FLSA standards and remove several state restrictions on 16‑ and 17‑year‑olds, while carving exemptions for younger teens in certain circumstances.
Sponsor Senator Collins said the measure is a parental‑rights reform that would allow parents and guardians to determine a minor’s work schedule, and argued early work can teach ‘‘soft skills’’ and improve life outcomes. Collins noted existing federal protections (FLSA) still apply to hazardous work and said the bill “lines Florida up with federal law.”
Public testimony was overwhelmingly opposed. Dozens of commenters — including groups such as Voices of Florida, Florida PTA, students and parents — warned the bill removes vital guardrails that protect minors from excessive hours and exploitation, increases the risk of academic decline, and would disproportionately harm low‑income youth. Dr. Alexis Soukalas and others said chronic absenteeism is already a major issue in Florida and loosening hours would worsen outcomes.
Senators debated the measure at length. Several expressed concern that the bill hands more power to employers than parents, could remove meal‑break requirements and allow overnight hours on school nights, and would disproportionately affect vulnerable youth. Multiple senators urged further stakeholder work. The committee called the roll and reported the bill favorably; the chair announced the measure was reported favorably by the committee.
