Child labor violations rise in US – as Republicans still roll back protections

Child labor violations have increased fivefold over the past decade even as Republican-controlled legislatures in Nebraska, Indiana, and West Virginia have passed bills rolling back child labor protections in 2026. Similar legislation is pending in Florida, Missouri, and Virginia, signaling a broader GOP push to loosen regulations on workers under 18. The trend runs counter to longstanding federal child labor standards designed to limit hours, restrict hazardous work, and protect minors' education and safety. The rollbacks come as the Department of Labor has documented a sharp rise in violations, suggesting enforcement challenges or employer non-compliance with existing rules. Advocates warn that weakening state-level protections could expose minors to exploitative working conditions just as documented breaches accelerate.