Protecting Children Act

This bill aims to protect children from illegal child labor and unsafe workplaces. It raises fines and adds tougher criminal penalties for employers who put kids at risk or break child labor laws. For knowing violations, people can face up to 15 years in prison, and if a child dies, up to life; companies can be fined up to $10,000,000 in those cases. Penalties are higher when young workers are harmed or put in danger, including doubling or tripling certain fines . Kids who are hurt by illegal child labor can also sue for money to cover harm and to punish the employer.

The bill also builds capacity and keeps standards up to date. It creates a national advisory committee on child labor to guide federal agencies. It requires better tracking and public reporting on injuries to workers under 18 and supports training and public education . Money from child labor and safety penalties would fund enforcement, training, and research. It requires regular review of hazardous jobs for minors and blocks any rollbacks of protections . It takes effect 60 days after it becomes law.

• Who is affected: employers; teens under 18; federal labor and health officials; teachers and other professionals who may spot child labor.
• What changes:
  • Higher civil and criminal penalties for child labor and unsafe conditions, with much tougher penalties when kids are hurt or killed .
  • A new right for harmed children to sue for damages.
  • A national advisory committee, stronger data, annual public reports, and more training and outreach .
  • Regular updates to hazardous job rules for minors and a ban on weakening existing protections .
• When: 60 days after enactment.