Following recent cases of child exploitation in agriculture and industry, a number of states have either passed or are considering restrictive legislation to protect children.  Phil Skaggs (D-East Grand Rapids) has introduced a bill into the Michigan House strengthening child labor laws, especially for hazardous occupations.  The bill increases penalties for violators to $5,000 for a first offense with escalation for repeaters.

It is presumed that the law will include an exemption for minors carrying out farm chores as a member of a family.

The approach to more restrictive child-labor legislation is in stark contrast to un upgrade of requirements as recently enacted in Arkansas and Iowa where protection was diluted, possibly in contravention of federal standards.