Florida House Approves Bill Allowing Teens on Construction Sites Amid Controversy

The Florida House of Representatives recently approved a bill that allows adolescents to work on construction sites. Thus, this legislation has generated considerable opposition due to allegations that it violates child labor protections.

(Photo : Unsplash/Jeriden Villegas)

Allowing Teens on Construction Sites

On Wednesday, Feb. 28, House Bill 917, which would permit individuals aged 16 and 17 to work on specific building projects, was approved by the Senate unanimously with scores 84-30. Representatives Lisa Dunkley of Sunrise and Johanna Lopez of Orlando, both of the Democratic Party, voted in favor of the bill alongside Republicans. At the same time, democratic support was opposed by Republican representatives Mike Beltran of Riverview and Paula Stark of St. Cloud.

As mentioned, a housing building location with scaffolding or roofing that is under six feet in height would permit 16- or 17-year-olds to work under the provision of Occupational Safety and Health Administration certification and direct supervision by an adult supervisor with at least two years of experience and a minimum age of 21.

Moreover, a republican senator from Tallahassee named Corey Simon stated that the purpose of the law is to assist young people in gaining experience in the workforce. The bill also wants to extend apprenticeship programs in trades such as construction in other school districts across the state. Also, the measure was reportedly conflated with another law that would have eliminated limitations on youngsters in employment settings.

Thus, Simon's amendment eliminated a provision that limited the amount of funding school districts could receive to administer apprenticeship programs. With a few restricted exceptions for students enrolled in government-approved student learning programs or apprenticeships, most construction jobs are classified as 'hazardous occupations.' They are prohibited to minors under federal and state law.

Earlier this month, Snyder defined the objective of his measure as establishing a pathway for older adolescents who desire to work in the trades but do not intend to attend college. Critics have harshly criticized the proposal for being risky and unnecessary.

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Controversies on Child Labor Bill

Construction is the industry responsible for the most significant number of complaints regarding unauthorized activity in the state. It is also the second most dangerous industry for young people across the country, after agriculture. Construction is among the most prevalent sectors where child labor violations and wage fraud are prevalent, as reported by the U.S. Department of Labor. Florida needs a better history of effectively addressing this issue as an entity.

Advocacy for the legislation has genuinely attempted to reduce the impact of the provision on child labor standards, yet acknowledging that it constitutes a relatively minor segment of the comprehensive 26-page bill. In addition, they have justified the measure by referring to the 'safeguards' that have been presented, which are intended to aid in increasing teenagers' safety while working.

For employment in residential construction, the proposal stipulates that individuals must be directly supervised by a professional supervisor who is at least 21 years old, possesses the same certification, and has a minimum of two years of work experience. Additionally, OSHA-10 certification, earned through a 10-hour training course, would be mandatory for students aged 16 and older.

Furthermore, the legislative proposal enacted in the House in early February is more comprehensive than the Senate version in Florida. Expanding their permitted work hours, both address only minors aged 16 and older. The rule permits teens to work up to 30 hours a week throughout the school year, six days a week, and eight hours the day before school. In the case of summer or vacation breaks, these limits do not apply.

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