S. 1742: Children Don't Belong on Tobacco Farms Act

This bill, titled the "Children Don't Belong on Tobacco Farms Act," seeks to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to address child labor specifically in the tobacco farming industry. The main focus of the bill is to protect children under the age of eighteen from being employed in tobacco-related agricultural work.

Key Provisions

• The bill proposes to amend the section of the Fair Labor Standards Act that currently defines acceptable employment for minors.
• It specifies that children are prohibited from having direct contact with tobacco plants or dried tobacco leaves while working.
• Furthermore, the amendment aims to include tobacco-related agriculture in the broader list of occupations where children’s employment is restricted, ensuring that this sector aligns with protections against child labor.

Impact on Child Labor Regulations

This legislation aims to strengthen protections for minors by explicitly outlining that children should not be involved in any capacity in tobacco farming. This would mean that any employment that exposes children to tobacco plants or products would be considered illegal under the amended law.

Implementation

If enacted, the bill will add specific language to existing labor laws to ensure enforcement against the employment of minors in tobacco agriculture. It aims to address concerns around the health risks associated with tobacco exposure and the ethical implications of child labor in this industry.

Goals of the Bill

• To enhance child safety and health by preventing underage exposure to tobacco.
• To uphold labor standards that protect children from potentially harmful working conditions.
• To discourage child labor practices in the tobacco industry specifically.

Enforcement and Compliance

The bill would likely lead to increased scrutiny and enforcement actions against farms that employ underage workers in tobacco production. Compliance would need to be monitored by relevant labor authorities to ensure adherence to the new regulations.

Relevant Companies

• PM (Philip Morris International Inc.): As a major tobacco company, it may see changes in its supply chain regarding tobacco leaf procurement if tobacco farming regulations change. The bill could limit the availability of labor for such farms.
• RAI (Reynolds American Inc.): Similarly, Reynolds American may also face implications in sourcing tobacco from farms that will need to comply with new labor restrictions regarding child employment.