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Bill

SB 220

Increasing the penalty for unlawful employment under child labor laws.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ethan Corson and 4 co-sponsors

Kansas bill increases criminal and civil penalties for child labor law violations to deter employer misconduct and strengthen worker protections.

Died in Committee
#childrenandminors #laborandemployment
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Bill Summary · SB 220

Legislative bill overview

SB 220 proposes to increase criminal and civil penalties for violations of Kansas's child labor laws. The bill would make unlawful employment of minors subject to stricter punishment, though specific penalty amounts are not detailed in the action history provided. This represents a hardening of enforcement mechanisms against employers who violate child labor protections.

Why is this important

Child labor violations directly affect the safety, education, and development of minors. Stronger penalties can serve as a deterrent to employers considering violations and signal state commitment to protecting children in the workplace. Conversely, enforcement effectiveness depends on adequate resources for investigation and prosecution, which the bill's text would need to address.

Potential points of contention

  • Business compliance costs: Employers argue that increased penalties may create uncertainty and compliance burdens, particularly for small businesses unfamiliar with complex labor regulations
  • Penalty severity vs. intent: Questions about whether penalties should differentiate between intentional violations and good-faith mistakes, or violations with varying degrees of harm to minors
  • Enforcement capacity: Unclear whether state agencies have sufficient funding and staffing to investigate and prosecute additional cases effectively, potentially making penalties symbolic rather than practical

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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