US Department of Labor determines that Iowa’s recent child labor law violates federal regulations
The governor of Iowa recently signed a new law in May that loosened child labor regulations in the state. The law allows minors who are over 16 years old to sell and serve alcohol at restaurants, and lets 14- and 15-year-old workers work extended hours and a greater number of weekly hours. It will also allow minors to seek exemptions from the state that would let them work in dangerous environments that were previously restricted. The United States Department of Labor stated the latter aspect of the Iowa law violates federal regulations, as national child labor laws restrict children from being employed in dangerous working conditions in the manufacturing industry. Most companies will still be subject to the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, and following the guidelines of the new Iowa law will result in violations and penalties.
See "US Department of Labor determines that Iowa’s recent child labor law violates federal regulations", Robin Opsahl, Des Moines Register, September 6, 2023