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S 521

Resolve support ratification of Federal Child Labor Constitutional Amendment

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jason Lewis

Massachusetts expresses support for a federal constitutional amendment granting Congress explicit power to regulate and restrict child labor nationwide.

Accompanied a study order, see S2650
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Bill Summary · S 521

Legislative bill overview

S 521 is a Massachusetts resolution supporting ratification of a proposed Federal Child Labor Constitutional Amendment. The bill expresses the state legislature's backing for a constitutional amendment that would grant Congress explicit power to regulate child labor across the nation. This is a symbolic measure affirming Massachusetts' position on federal child labor protections.

Why is this important

Child labor remains a persistent issue both internationally and in certain U.S. sectors (agriculture, manufacturing, entertainment). A constitutional amendment would remove current legal ambiguities about federal authority to regulate child labor comprehensively. This could enable stronger national standards and enforcement mechanisms that individual states cannot achieve alone.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal vs. state authority: Critics may argue this expands federal power at the expense of state sovereignty and parental rights over child work regulations
  • Vagueness of "child labor": The amendment language itself matters greatly—definitions of prohibited work, age thresholds, and agricultural/family business exemptions could be debated
  • Practical necessity: Opponents may question whether existing federal authority under the Commerce Clause already permits adequate child labor regulation, making a constitutional amendment unnecessary

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

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