H.R.3335 - Children Don't Belong on Tobacco Farms Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3335, the "Children Don't Belong on Tobacco Farms Act," aims to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. The amendment seeks to prohibit the employment of individuals under 18 in tobacco-related agriculture by classifying such employment as oppressive child labor. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives and referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would prevent individuals under the age of 18 from working in direct contact with tobacco plants or dried tobacco leaves. This would change the existing labor laws by adding tobacco-related agriculture to the list of prohibited occupations for minors. The change will likely impact agricultural businesses that rely on child labor for tobacco cultivation.
Potential Benefits
- Protects children from potential health hazards associated with tobacco farming, such as nicotine poisoning and exposure to pesticides.
- Promotes the well-being and development of children by ensuring they are not engaged in hazardous labor.
- Aligns with international labor standards and conventions regarding child labor.
- May improve the public perception of the tobacco industry by addressing ethical concerns related to child labor.
- Could lead to increased demand for adult labor in tobacco agriculture, potentially creating more stable jobs.
Potential Disadvantages
- May increase labor costs for tobacco farmers, potentially impacting their profitability.
- Could lead to a decrease in the availability of seasonal jobs for families who rely on this income.
- May face opposition from agricultural groups who argue that it infringes on their ability to operate efficiently.
- Could disproportionately affect low-income families who depend on income from child labor in tobacco fields.
- Potential legal challenges based on arguments related to economic freedom and parental rights.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce. By regulating labor standards in agriculture, Congress is arguably affecting commerce. However, arguments could be made that it infringes upon states' rights to regulate labor within their borders (Tenth Amendment). The bill does not appear to directly infringe upon any individual rights enumerated in the Bill of Rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).