Across the U.S., a new wave of legislation seeks to amend the rules for minor workers. Proponents argue that the trend aims to help employers cope with a talent shortage, but observers in and around the employment law sphere advise caution.
At least 14 states have introduced or enacted laws within the past two years that relaxed child labor restrictions, according to an analysis by the Economic Policy Institute, a left-leaning think tank.
The nature of each rollback varies by jurisdiction. In New Jersey, for example, lawmakers passed legislation in 2022 to expand summer working hours for minors between the ages of 16 and 18, as well as increasing the amount of time a minor may work before taking a break.
Other laws target specific industries. New Hampshire is one of several states that relaxed age restrictions for minors working in alcohol-serving establishments, reducing the age at which minors may clean tables, empty containers and glasses, and assist in stocking at such businesses from 15 to 14. The same law also extended work hours that minors may work during the school year.
One common justification for such laws is to ease what some have called a nationwide worker shortage, Rob Wilson, president at HR consulting firm Employco, said in an interview. A report published in June by The Josh Bersin Co. and AMS found that time-to-hire rates increased to an all-time high average 44 days during the first quarter of 2023.
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