H.R.3997 - Protecting Children Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3997, the Protecting Children Act, aims to safeguard children from oppressive child labor and unsafe workplaces. The bill enhances enforcement mechanisms by adjusting civil monetary penalties and criminal penalties for violations of child labor laws and workplace safety standards. It also expands the use of hot goods injunctions and enables private enforcement through new rights of action for harmed children.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely increase the cost of violating child labor laws, potentially deterring employers from engaging in such practices. The establishment of a National Advisory Committee on Child Labor and a Child Labor and Safety and Health Fund will provide resources and expertise for protecting children.
Potential Benefits
- Increased penalties for child labor violations will deter exploitative practices.
- The establishment of a dedicated fund for child labor and safety will provide resources for enforcement and research.
- The creation of a National Advisory Committee on Child Labor will offer expert guidance.
- Enhanced data collection and reporting will improve understanding of child labor issues.
- The enabling of private enforcement will empower children and their families to seek justice.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased regulatory burden on businesses, potentially leading to compliance costs.
- Potential for frivolous lawsuits under the private enforcement provision.
- The creation of new government entities and programs may lead to bureaucratic inefficiencies.
- The Act's focus on child labor may overshadow other important labor issues.
- Possible unintended consequences from increased penalties, such as businesses avoiding hiring young workers altogether.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's goal of promoting the general welfare, as stated in the Preamble. Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8) provides a basis for federal regulation of child labor. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, but the regulation of child labor has been established as a federal responsibility.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to citizens. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).