Florida considers bill to roll back child labor laws to fill jobs once held by undocumented migrants

Florida lawmakers are considering major changes to state child labor laws that would loosen restrictions on when and how long teens can work, as the state braces for a shortage of migrant workers under GOP-led immigration crackdowns.

A state Senate panel narrowly advanced a proposal Tuesday to eliminate regulations that bar 16- and 17-year-olds from working jobs before 6:30 a.m. or after 11 p.m. on school days, working more than eight hours on school days and working more than 30 hours a week while in school. The proposal also would end a requirement that teens receive at least 30-minute meal breaks when they work eight-hour shifts.