STUART, Fla. — A Florida bill that would lift certain child labor laws is making its way through the House and Senate.
The bill under consideration would allow children as young as 14 to work overnight shifts on school days— a significant change from current laws which prohibit minors from working between 11 p.m. and 6:30 a.m.
WATCH: WPTV Reporter Cassandra Garcia listens to the concerns of local parents about proposed bill lifting child labor laws
Jaclyn Donges lives in Martin County and has teenage children. She said that the labor laws in places are deigned to safeguard minors like her kids.
However, she also recognizes the role a job can play in a teenager's upbringing and thinks there's room for improvement in child labor laws.
"I think that would be important, especially for kids who are homeschooling or have flexible hours, that they can just have an opportunity to work,” Donges said.
Donges voiced her unease about the overnight work provision.
“When I was reading a little bit further, it said that it would allow them to work overnight, and I think that’s concerning because our children need their sleep,” Donges said.
The Florida American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), which represents several labor unions in the state, is also voicing its opposition.
Dr. Rich Templin, director of politics and public policy at Florida AFL-CIO, argued that the bill put power in the wrong hands.
"These bills that are moving will give all the...
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