Justice for Exploited Children Act

Summary

Strengthens criminal and civil penalties for violations of federal child labor prohibitions. It creates new felony-level criminal penalties for repeated or willful violations that put employees under 18 at risk, including higher penalties when violations cause death or serious injury, and it raises and restructures civil fines with higher minimums, caps, and doubling for repeated or willful offenses. Changes apply to violations occurring on or after enactment.

• Creates a felony-level criminal penalty (up to $100,000 fine and/or 5 years) for repeated or willful child labor violations affecting employees under 18.
• Establishes a higher felony tier (up to $500,000 fine and/or 10 years) for willful violations that cause death or serious injury to a worker under 18, or repeated violations producing such harm.
• Revises civil penalties to a tiered schedule with higher minimums and caps, including a maximum of $601,150 for certain serious violations.
• Sets a distinct civil penalty range for violations that cause the death of an employee under 18: $50,000 to $601,150 per violation, with doubling for repeated or willful acts.
• Doubles civil penalties for repeated or willful violations in many cases, increasing financial exposure for employers.
• Applies to violations occurring on or after the date of enactment; does not appropriate funds or create new programs.
• Increases enforcement risk for employers who hire or supervise minors and likely increases involvement from DOL (civil) and DOJ (criminal).
• Focuses solely on penalties and enforcement mechanics; it does not change the underlying child labor prohibitions themselves.