03/13/2026
I’ve had a few people reach out with concerns about HB1302, so I wanted to take a moment to clear up a common misconception.
Some claim this bill “removes child labor protections.” It does not.
What this section actually does is remove an unnecessary state database that required businesses to register and report the number of minors they employ.
Here’s the key point: federal child labor laws already protect minors nationwide, including rules on age limits, hazardous jobs, and working hours. Those protections remain fully in effect.
HB1302 simply cuts redundant bureaucracy that placed extra paperwork on small businesses—especially restaurants, farms, and local shops that hire teens for part-time or summer work.
Reducing unnecessary red tape helps local businesses while still keeping the real protections for young workers in place. I’m always happy to talk more about it if anyone has questions.