119th Congressional Bills endorsed by the Child Labor Coalition:
The Child Labor Coalition, comprised of 38 organizational members, endorses the following child labor bills in the 119th Congress:
Protecting child farmworkers:
- R. 3335 – “Children Don’t Belong on Tobacco Farms Act by Rep. DeLauro” (D-CT)
62 cosponsors as of 3/30/2026
This bill bans direct contact with toxic tobacco on U.S. farms for minors.
- 1742 – “Children Don’t Belong on Tobacco Farms Act” by Senator Durbin (D-IL)
4 cosponsors as of 3/30/2026
This bill bans direct contact with toxic tobacco on U.S. farms for minors.
- R. 6066 –“Children’s Act for Responsible Employment and Farm Safety — CARE Act” by Rep. Ruiz (D-CA)
6 cosponsors in the 119th as of 3/30/2026
[A Senate introduction by Lujan expected soon in the 119th]
The bill raises the base age of farmwork from 12 to 14 and minimum age of hazardous farm work from 16 to 18 – the same as all other sectors. The bill does not apply to farm kids working on their family farm.
Bills to increase fines:
- “Justice for Exploited Children Act of 2023” by Rep. Scholten (D-MI)
8 cosponsors in the 119th as of 3/30/2026
Raise child labor fines and criminal penalties substantially.
Bills that seek increased fines AND multiple other improvements:
- R. 3997 — “Protecting Children Act” by Rep. Scott (D-VA)
Has 8 cosponsors as of 3/30/2026.
Raises child labor fines by a factor of 10, sets minimum fines, and enhances criminal penalties. It would establish a National Advisory Committee on child labor and foster interagency collaboration to combat child labor. It would call for the periodic review of hazardous work rules for children.
- R. 6597 “Let’s Protect Workers Act” by Rep. Scott (D-VA)
79 cosponsors in the 119th on 3/30/2026.
Would raise child labor fines by a factor of 10. Would improve record keeping requirements for employer to help labor law enforcement.
- R. 7002 “Justice for Exploited Children Act” by Rep. Scholten (D- MI)
Has 8 cosponsors on 3/19.2026. The bill is bipartisan (Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (D-PA).
Increases child labor fines and criminal penalties substantially.
Federal Procurement Bills regarding child labor:
- 920 – “Preventing Child Labor Exploitation Act” by Senator Josh Hawley R-MO.
1 cosponsor as of 3/19/2026.
[This bill is bipartisan – Sen. Booker is the other lead]
The bill bars companies that have repeat child labor violations from selling goods to the U.S. government.
We urge congressional members to join the Congressional Child Labor Prevention Task Force, which is led by Rep. Scholten (D-MI) and Rep. McGarvey (D-KY).
Staffers, please let us know when your office introduces a child-labor related bill. Email info to Reid Maki at reidm@nclnet.org or call 202-207-2820.
The Child Labor Coalition congressional champions from the 118th Congress:
The Child Labor Coalition represents 38 groups that work collaboratively to reduce child labor.
