Iowa Senate Bill SF2390

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/19/24
• Refer: 2/19/24

Caption

A bill for an act relating to youth employment and making penalties applicable.

Impact

The legislation significantly modifies the framework within which minors can work. It not only establishes clear guidelines but also enforces stricter conditions under which young individuals can undertake employment. By eliminating exceptions from the previous laws and reinstating a more stringent set of rules, the bill seeks to protect minors from hazardous working conditions while allowing some flexibility for parents and guardians in supervising their children's employment. This impacts businesses by necessitating compliance with the new provisions, including mandatory permits for minor employees and adherence to new requirements regarding work hours and activities.

Summary

Senate File 2390 aims to amend the existing laws governing youth employment in Iowa. The bill reestablishes previous statutory language that regulates the conditions under which minors can be employed. It entails striking changes made by earlier legislation, specifically addressing the age restrictions for work and the general categories of permitted and prohibited occupations for minors. The bill introduces amendments to clarify definitions and procedures related to work permits for individuals under 18 years old, ensuring that employment regulations are maintained with respect to their safety and welfare.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SF2390 center on the balance between protecting minors and providing opportunities for youth in the workforce. Critics may argue that the revisions could limit minors' access to safe and beneficial employment opportunities, particularly in industries traditionally associated with teen work, such as retail and food service. Proponents of the bill, however, emphasize that these adjustments are necessary to enhance the protections for young workers against exploitation and unsafe working environments. The bill also introduces civil penalties for violations, which may further motivate compliance but raise concerns about the potential burden on employers.