Hawaii Senate Bill SCR8

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/23/22
• Refer: 2/23/22
• Refer: 3/3/22
• Report Pass: 4/4/22
• Engrossed: 4/5/22
• Refer: 4/6/22

Caption

Ratifying A Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Of The United States Giving The Congress Of The United States Power To Limit, Regulate, And Prohibit The Labor Of Persons Under Eighteen Years Of Age.

Impact

The bill's adoption by the State of Hawaii would position it in alignment with the broader national conversation about child labor laws and the need for federal oversight. Historically, previous attempts to regulate child labor at the federal level met with resistance and were ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. This amendment, if ratified by sufficient states, would create a federal framework to regulate youth labor directly, thus impacting how states manage child labor laws independently.

Summary

SCR8, also known as the concurrent resolution ratifying a proposed amendment to the United States Constitution, aims to grant Congress the authority to limit, regulate, and prohibit the labor of individuals under the age of eighteen. The resolution underscores the historical context of child labor in the United States, highlighting the detrimental effects of unregulated child labor on the health and welfare of children. The 1900 census marked the beginning of a national movement aimed at eradicating child labor, further fueled by the passing of early child labor legislation, such as the Keating-Owen Child Labor Act of 1916, which ultimately faced constitutional challenges.

Conclusion

In conclusion, SCR8 serves as a vital step for Hawaii in ratifying a long-discussed constitutional amendment that would empower Congress to set strict regulations on child labor for those under eighteen. The passage of this resolution not only reinforces Hawaii's commitment to youth welfare but also contributes to the ongoing discourse about child labor regulations in the United States.

Contention

The proposed amendment has faced contention and delay since its initial proposal in 1924. Some arguments against it have centered on states' rights and concerns about federal overreach. Critics argued that the amendment could be misconceived as an infringement on states' abilities to self-regulate. In contrast, proponents assert that allowing the federal government to regulate child labor is crucial to protecting vulnerable minors from exploitation and ensuring their welfare.