In the polling of Republican voters, I have yet to hear a voter mention child labor laws as being too stringent.
However, it is a clear strategy for Republicans. Most Republican led states are discussing weakening laws, with some even passing new laws, Iowa and Arkansas for example.
Florida is up next. HB 49, pushed by Rep. Linda Chaney and her GOP colleagues is a total rollback of child labor protections for teens.
They want to let 16- and 17-year-olds work insane hours during school, and even let them drop out for full-time jobs if they're in some home or virtual school program.
The supporters, like the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, are dressing it up as reducing 'unnecessary' regulation and boosting job opportunities.
It's not about helping teenagers; it's about cheap labor and filling low-wage jobs without regard for these kids' education or well-being.
This particular bill was drafted by the Foundation for Government Accountability – far-right group backed by Dick Uihlein, notorious for his anti-worker/union opinions.
The democrats proposed an amendment to protect minors from workplace sexual harassment but it was rejected by the Republicans.