Bill would open logging jobs to 16- and 17-year-olds for first time
In committeeH.R. 1193Latest action
Sponsor: Jared F. Golden · Representative · ME
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Future in Logging Careers Act
119th Congress
Topics: Jobs & the economy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.
HR 1193 would let 16- and 17-year-olds operate heavy logging equipment, removing a longstanding federal ban on minors in the industry.
50-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
HR 1193 would create an exception to federal child labor law, allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to work in logging and timber harvesting jobs currently banned for anyone under 18. This includes operating heavy machinery such as feller-bunchers, log loaders, bulldozers, and excavators. The Secretary of Labor could still restrict specific tasks deemed especially hazardous, except when a teenager works for a parent or legal guardian's logging business.
Who does it affect?
The bill would directly affect teenagers in logging and timber communities seeking early entry into the industry, as well as employers who hire them. The Department of Labor would also be affected, taking on responsibility for determining which specific logging tasks remain off-limits for minors.
Why does it matter?
Federal law currently treats most logging work as too dangerous for anyone under 18, and this bill would remove that blanket protection for 16- and 17-year-olds. States with active timber industries, including Maine, Pennsylvania, and Idaho, would likely see the greatest real-world impact.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedFeb 11, 2025
- House committeeYou are here · Feb 11, 2025
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.