CHILD Labor Act

Increased Financial Recovery for Victims: Victims of child labor violations can receive compensatory damages of at least $75,000, which increases to $750,000 for violations causing death or serious injury, plus potential punitive damages of at least $1,000,000 (Section 103(c) and (f)).

Stronger Deterrents Against Abuse: The bill raises civil penalties to $160,350 per employee and $728,760 for violations causing death or serious injury, with the possibility of doubling these amounts for willful or repeated violations (Section 103(a)).

Enhanced Public Awareness: The Secretary of Labor can place "Unlawfully manufactured; child labor" tags on goods produced in violation of the law, informing consumers about the origin of the products (Section 102(c)).

Improved Safety and Prevention: The bill establishes programs for education and training to help professionals identify and prevent oppressive child labor and support victims (Section 104).

Stricter Federal Standards: Federal contractors and recipients of financial assistance must ensure no one under 16 is employed and that those 16 or 17 are not engaged in oppressive child labor (Section 201 and 202(b)).

Financial Burdens on Workers During Stop Work Orders: If a stop work order is issued, the employer must compensate the worker at their regular rate for hours they would have worked, but the bill designates violations of this payment as unpaid minimum wages or overtime (Section 102(e)).

Liability for Successors: New owners or "successors in interest" can be held jointly and severally liable for child labor violations committed by the previous employer, even if they were not the ones who committed the act (Section 102(d) and 201(b)).

Strict Requirements for Prime Contractors: Businesses that use subcontractors may be held liable for oppressive child labor unless they can prove they acted in good faith, relied on written assurances, and took "meaningful and affirmative steps" to ensure compliance (Section 102(a) and 202(b)).