States Look to Ease Child Labor Laws as Federal Scrutiny Grows

Several state legislatures are considering bills that would relax child labor restrictions, drawing heated criticism from worker advocates and a federal official who say it’s irresponsible to soften protections amid egregious reports of violations.

The state proposals run the gamut from eliminating work permit requirements for people under 16, as Arkansas did this month, to letting teenage apprentices into ordinarily off-limits workplaces such as factories, as Iowa legislators are considering.

The bills’ supporters include business groups such as the National Federation of Independent Business, plus retail and restaurant associations. They argue the measures could help employers that are struggling ...