How would plan to change Iowa’s child labor laws impact teenage workers?
After an overnight session at the Iowa Statehouse, state senators came out of session at 5 a.m. Tuesday.
During the session, senators passed in a 32-17 vote. The bill would make changes to child labor laws in the state.
Supporters of the plan argue it modernizes Iowa law and gives kids more opportunities. Opponents call the plan dangerous, saying it would weaken child labor laws and endanger children.
"Our employers need more workers," said Marcie Strouse with the Capitol Benefits Group.
Strouse is a court-appointed special advocate who said she's seen teenagers struggle to find a job.
"One of the kids last year turned 14. He could not even get a call back because of his age. And so, when he would call to follow up, a lot of it was around, 'Well, your hours are so restricted, we really need to have more flexibility in when we’re scheduling,'" Strouse said.
Strouse argues that the bill will solve scheduling issues with employers by allowing teenagers to work more hours a day. Currently, children under 16 are allowed to work four hours a day. If the bill is signed into law, children under 16 would be able to work six hours a day and 16 and 17-year-olds would be able to work the same hours as adults.
The bill would also allow kids to work later. Currently, children under 16 must stop working at 7 p.m. If the bill is signed into law, children under 16 would be able to work until 9 p.m. during the school year and 11 p.m. in the summer.
Jessica Dunker with the Iowa Restaurant Association argues that the changes in the bill will help businesses and teenagers.
"The sentiment behind these changes was always to expand opportunities for teenagers who are looking to work," Dunker said.
Charlie Wishman, president of the Iowa Federation of Labor, argues that the changes proposed in the bill are bad for Iowa teenagers.
"Once you get over about 20 hours a week, that’s when kids' grades start to drop. That’s when kids start dropping out of school. That’s when test scores drop," Wishman said.
Wishman also believes the bill could put kids in danger.
"[The bill] still does allow kids to work in assembly. It still allows kids to be working in factories where there are explosives. There are still plenty of dangerous occupations out there that kids are now allowed to go into."
Democrats brought those concerns to the Senate floor, but Republicans argue the bill does have safety regulations.
The bill still needs House approval before it could become law.