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Florida lawmakers push to loosen child labor laws due to immigration crackdown
(MENAFN) Florida lawmakers have advanced a controversial bill that would loosen child labor restrictions, allowing minors to work overnight shifts on school nights. The move comes as the state grapples with a labor shortage, exacerbated by stricter immigration laws championed by Governor Ron DeSantis.
Under current Florida regulations, 14-year-olds are prohibited from working between 11 pm and 6:30 am. However, the proposed legislation, which passed the Florida Senate's Commerce and Tourism Committee by a 5-4 vote on Tuesday, aims to amend these rules. The bill will now proceed through two more committees before a potential full Senate vote.
The push to loosen child labor laws is directly linked to the state's tightening immigration policies.
Governor DeSantis, a staunch advocate for stricter immigration enforcement, has publicly questioned the need for immigrant labor, suggesting that teenagers and college students should fill the labor gaps. "Why do we say we need to import foreigners, even import them illegally, when you know, teenagers used to work at these resorts, college students should be able to do this stuff," DeSantis stated, according to media source.
Florida's recent immigration crackdown includes a 2023 law requiring employers with 25 or more employees to utilize E-Verify to confirm the immigration status of new hires, with daily fines of $1,000 for non-compliance. These policies have contributed to the labor shortages prompting the child labor law adjustments. The proposed changes have ignited significant debate, raising concerns about the potential impact on minors' education and well-being.
Under current Florida regulations, 14-year-olds are prohibited from working between 11 pm and 6:30 am. However, the proposed legislation, which passed the Florida Senate's Commerce and Tourism Committee by a 5-4 vote on Tuesday, aims to amend these rules. The bill will now proceed through two more committees before a potential full Senate vote.
The push to loosen child labor laws is directly linked to the state's tightening immigration policies.
Governor DeSantis, a staunch advocate for stricter immigration enforcement, has publicly questioned the need for immigrant labor, suggesting that teenagers and college students should fill the labor gaps. "Why do we say we need to import foreigners, even import them illegally, when you know, teenagers used to work at these resorts, college students should be able to do this stuff," DeSantis stated, according to media source.
Florida's recent immigration crackdown includes a 2023 law requiring employers with 25 or more employees to utilize E-Verify to confirm the immigration status of new hires, with daily fines of $1,000 for non-compliance. These policies have contributed to the labor shortages prompting the child labor law adjustments. The proposed changes have ignited significant debate, raising concerns about the potential impact on minors' education and well-being.
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