PA
Pennsylvania House Bill HB805

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB805

Introduced
3/4/25  

Caption

Further providing for administration and for penalties.

Impact

The modifications proposed in HB 805 aim to strengthen the oversight of child labor practices in Pennsylvania. By instituting a systematic reporting mechanism, stakeholders in the state legislature will have access to critical data that can inform policy decisions and enhance law enforcement efforts. Furthermore, the requirement for reports concerning violations involving unaccompanied minors signifies an effort to address the complexities and challenges that arise with this vulnerable population, potentially leading to more targeted interventions.

Summary

House Bill 805, introduced by Representative M. Mackenzie, seeks to amend Pennsylvania's Child Labor Act. The revisions primarily focus on enhancing the administration and enforcement mechanisms within the legislation. One significant amendment is the introduction of an annual reporting requirement, which mandates the Department of Labor and Industry to provide detailed reports on child labor enforcement activities. These reports must cover various aspects, including the number of complaints received, investigations initiated, and specific violations identified, including those related to unaccompanied alien minors.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding HB 805 appears to be supportive, as it seeks to enhance protections for minors and ensure that labor laws are adequately enforced. Legislators expressing support would likely emphasize the importance of safeguarding children from exploitation and harmful labor conditions. However, there may also be concerns regarding the practical implications of enforcing these new requirements, such as the resources available to the Department of Labor and Industry to effectively carry out its enhanced responsibilities.

Contention

While there seems to be general consensus on the need for improved child labor protections, some points of contention may arise regarding the potential for increased regulatory burdens on businesses. Critics may argue that the new reporting requirements could lead to excessive scrutiny or administrative challenges for employers. Additionally, concerns about the accuracy and reliability of the reported data may generate debate among lawmakers, particularly regarding how to address the nuances surrounding unaccompanied alien minors in labor-related cases.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1714

Further providing for administration and for penalties.

PA SB94

Further providing for definitions; providing for duty of department to report; further providing for civil remedies and penalties, for liquidated damages and for criminal penalties; providing for employer liability; and establishing the Wage Enforcement Fund.

PA HB944

Further providing for definitions; providing for duty of department to report; further providing for civil remedies and penalties, for liquidated damages and for criminal penalties; providing for employer liability; and establishing the Wage Enforcement Fund.

PA HB2118

Providing for disposition of administrative penalties.

PA HB2455

Further providing for definitions; providing for training regarding public lodging establishments and for training regarding third-party listing platforms; and further providing for enforcement, for violation, for affirmative defenses, for administrative penalties and for criminal penalties.

PA HB1751

Further providing for definitions, for improper classification of employees and for criminal penalties; providing for private right of action; further providing for administrative penalties, for retaliation for action prohibited, for availability of information, for use of penalty funds and for funding; and imposing penalties.

PA SB577

Further providing for definitions, for improper classification of employees and for criminal penalties; providing for private right of action; and further providing for administrative penalties, for retaliation for action prohibited, for availability of information and for funding.

PA HB1729

Further providing for definitions; providing for use of automated employment decision tool; and further providing for civil penalties.

PA HB861

Further providing for definitions; providing for notice and regulations; further providing for unfair labor practices and for representatives and elections; providing for initial collective bargaining agreement; and further providing for prevention of unfair labor practices and for penalties.

PA HB1333

Further providing for definitions, for manufacturing, for materials and for enforcement; and providing for labeling and for report.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.