Maryland 2024 Regular Session

Maryland House Bill HJ7

Introduced
2/9/24  

Caption

Ratifying the Federal Child Labor Amendment

Impact

If passed, HJ7 would facilitate the ratification of the Child Labor Amendment, which necessitates that all states suspend conflicting laws, thereby aligning with federal standards regarding the labor of minors. Advocates for HJ7 argue that this ratification is crucial for safeguarding the health, welfare, and educational opportunities of individuals under 18 years old. By ensuring that Congress has the authority to regulate child labor, the amendment aims to bolster existing protections against exploitation and abusive labor practices across states.

Summary

House Joint Resolution 7 (HJ7) focuses on ratifying the Federal Child Labor Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, originally proposed by House Joint Resolution 184 in 1924. The primary aim of this bill is to empower Congress to limit, regulate, and prohibit the labor of minors, thereby strengthening protections against child labor. The resolution reflects a growing revival of interest in the amendment, as only ten more states are needed to achieve ratification of the amendment, which has been outstanding due to a lack of a time limit set by Congress.

Contention

Conversely, there may be concerns surrounding state autonomy over labor laws. Some may view HJ7 as an encroachment on states' rights, especially if current child labor regulations at the state level have varied significantly. Discussions regarding the implications of federal oversight on local workplaces and potential challenges in enforcement could arise, particularly in states where labor conditions differ greatly from the federal standards proposed by this amendment.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MD SJ1

Ratifying the Federal Child Labor Amendment

MD HJ3

Ratifying the Federal Child Labor Amendment

MD HJ00048

Resolution Ratifying The Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Of The United States Permitting Congress To Regulate Child Labor.

MD H3845

Resolutions ratifying the proposed amendment to the Constitution of the United States for federal regulation of child labor

MD SR81

Ratifying A Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Of The United States Giving The Congress Of The United States Power To Limit, Regulate, And Prohibit The Labor Of Persons Under Eighteen Years Of Age.

MD SCR99

Ratifying A Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Of The United States Giving The Congress Of The United States Power To Limit, Regulate, And Prohibit The Labor Of Persons Under Eighteen Years Of Age.

MD S521

Resolve support ratification of Federal Child Labor Constitutional Amendment

MD H1986

Resolutions providing for the ratification of the child labor amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America

MD HB0488

Federalism Amendments

MD S0245

Federal Balanced Budget Amendment

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