CARE Act
Latest action (30 Jul 1998): Introduced
What this bill does
The CARE Act (S. 2383) would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to tighten federal child labor rules, particularly in agriculture. It would narrow an existing exemption so that minors could only work outside school hours on farms owned or operated by their own parent or legal guardian, removing broader exemptions that previously applied. The bill would also create a new category called "youth peddling"—selling goods or services door-to-door or in public places—and prohibit employees under age 16 from engaging in it, with an exception for volunteers working for nonprofit organizations. It would raise civil penalties for child labor violations from a maximum of $10,000 to $15,000 (with a $500 minimum) and add criminal penalties—fines up to $15,000 and/or up to five years in prison—for willful or repeat violations causing a minor's death or permanent disability, or tied to other law violations.
The bill primarily affects minors employed in agriculture and youth engaged in door-to-door or public sales, as well as employers who hire them. It would also affect the Department of Labor, which would gain authority to set conditions for shipping goods made with child labor, be directed to coordinate with state, local, and nonprofit agencies on enforcement, and be required to issue implementing regulations and, within 180 days of enactment, sign a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Agriculture on child labor standards.
The bill was introduced on July 30, 1998, by Senator Tom Harkin and three cosponsors, and referred to the Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources. It did not receive a vote and did not advance further before the end of the 105th Congress.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Children's Act for Responsible Employment - CARE Act - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLRA) to revise child labor prohibitions. (Sec. 2) Repeals certain exemptions from child labor prohibitions for agricultural employment. Applies the same age restrictions to agricultural employment as to other forms of employment. Limits exemptions to agricultural labor outside of school hours, if the individual is employed by his or her parent or legal guardian, on a farm owned or operated by such parent or legal guardian. Raises from 16 to 18 years old the minimum age for engaging in hazardous agricultural employment. (Sec. 3) Prohibits employment of individuals under age 16 in youth peddling. Excludes from the definition of youth peddling volunteer selling of goods or services on behalf of not-for-profit organizations. (Sec. 4) Increases civil and criminal penalties for child labor violations. (Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary) to determine the circumstances under which goods tainted by oppressive child labor may be allowed to be shipped or delivered for shipment in interstate commerce. (Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary to establish closer working relationships with non-governmental organizations and with State and local government agencies having responsibility for administering and enforcing labor and safety and health laws. Requires State and local government agencies to submit information regarding injuries and deaths of employees to the Secretary, upon request, for specified use in enforcement and other uses under FLRA. Authorizes the Secretary to reimburse such agencies for such services. (Sec. 7) Directs the Secretaries of Labor and of Agriculture to enter into a memorandum of understanding to coordinate the development and enforcement of standards to minimize child labor. (Sec. 8) Authorizes appropriations.
Common questions
- What does S. 2383 do?
- The CARE Act (S. 2383) would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to tighten federal child labor rules, particularly in agriculture. It would narrow an existing exemption so that minors could only work outside school hours on farms owned or operated by their own parent or legal guardian, removing broader exemptions that previously applied. The bill would also create a new category called "youth peddling"—selling goods or services door-to-door or in public places—and prohibit employees under age 16 from engaging in it, with an exception for volunteers working for nonprofit organizations. It would raise civil penalties for child labor violations from a maximum of $10,000 to $15,000 (with a $500 minimum) and add criminal penalties—fines up to $15,000 and/or up to five years in prison—for willful or repeat violations causing a minor's death or permanent disability, or tied to other law violations. The bill primarily affects minors employed in agriculture and youth engaged in door-to-door or public sales, as well as employers who hire them. It would also affect the Department of Labor, which would gain authority to set conditions for shipping goods made with child labor, be directed to coordinate with state, local, and nonprofit agencies on enforcement, and be required to issue implementing regulations and, within 180 days of enactment, sign a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Agriculture on child labor standards. The bill was introduced on July 30, 1998, by Senator Tom Harkin and three cosponsors, and referred to the Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources. It did not receive a vote and did not advance further before the end of the 105th Congress.
- Has S. 2383 become law?
- Not yet. As of 30 Jul 1998, S. 2383 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 2383?
- S. 2383 was sponsored by Sen. Thomas “Tom” Harkin [D-IA, 1985-2014] (Democrat-IA), with 4 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 2383?
- Introduced (30 Jul 1998).
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