Hawaii Senate Bill SCR203

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/23
• Refer: 3/15/23

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

Should SCR203 succeed, it would represent a significant shift in the regulatory landscape surrounding child labor. This constitutional amendment seeks to fill gaps left by previous legislation that has encountered constitutional challenges, notably the actions taken by the Supreme Court in the early 1900s which hindered federal restrictions over child labor. If ratified, it would ensure that Congress has the express authority to enact laws aimed at protecting youth workers, thereby strengthening existing worker rights at the federal level.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution 203 (SCR203) aims to ratify a proposed amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which would empower Congress to limit, regulate, and prohibit the labor of persons under the age of eighteen. This resolution is rooted in historical context, addressing the detrimental effects of unregulated child labor as seen in the early 20th century, where millions of children were found working under poor conditions across various industries. The sentiment of the resolution reflects an ongoing commitment to improving labor protections for young workers.

Contention

Opposition to the amendment may arise from concerns about the potential overreach of federal authority into state-led labor laws. Critics could argue that states should retain the autonomy to regulate labor practices within their borders, especially as many states have their own child labor laws. Such contention highlights a historical debate over states' rights versus federal intervention, which has spurred resistance to the ratification of similar amendments in the past.