Preventing Child Labor Exploitation in Federal Contracting Act

Summary: S. 920 — Preventing Child Labor Exploitation in Federal Contracting Act

Overview

S. 920 is a Senate bill introduced on March 10, 2025, titled the Preventing Child Labor Exploitation in Federal Contracting Act. The measure appears to target protections against child labor in connection with federal contracting.

Purpose and Context

• Based on the title, the bill’s objective is to prevent or reduce exploitation of child labor within the scope of federal contracting.
• The bill’s sponsor alignment suggests a bipartisan interest in strengthening labor standards tied to contracts the federal government awards.

Key Provisions (Not specified in the provided text)

The actual text of S. 920 is not included here, so specific statutory language is not available. Provisions typically associated with this policy area might include:
- Prohibiting use of child labor in activities covered by federal contracts.
- Requiring prime contractors and subcontractors to comply with applicable child labor laws and industry standards.
- Implementing supplier due diligence and verification requirements for supply chains related to federal contracts.
- Establishing reporting, auditing, and transparency measures regarding labor practices in contracts.
- Providing enforcement mechanisms, penalties, or contract remedies for violations.
- Protecting whistleblowers and outlining procedures for addressing alleged violations.
- Setting timelines for compliance and potential phased implementation.

Note: The above potential provisions are not confirmed in the provided text and are listed as common elements in similar legislation.

Affected Parties and Impacts

• Primary beneficiaries: workers in industries tied to federal contracts who could be protected from child labor exploitation.
• Federal contractors and subcontractors engaged in work or supply chains connected to federal procurement.
• Federal agencies that award and monitor contracts (e.g., the executive branch departments and agencies administering procurement).
• Oversight and enforcement bodies (potentially a federal department or agency responsible for compliance, audits, and remedies).

Legislative History and Current Status

• Introduced in the Senate on March 10, 2025.
• Read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HEAL).
• Sponsors: Josh Hawley (primary) and Cory Booker (cosponsor).

Next Steps and Timeline

• The bill will proceed through HEAL for potential hearings, markups, and reporting. If advanced, it could move to floor consideration in the Senate.
• If passed, the bill would need to pass the House (or a reconciliation path) and be signed by the President to become law. Timelines are contingent on legislative action and competing priorities.

Sponsor Information

• Primary Sponsor: Josh Hawley
• Cosponsor: Cory Booker

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