Bill would open logging jobs to 16- and 17-year-olds for first time

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.

Where does it stand?