New Federal-State Initiative Targets Child Labor Law Violations, Prioritizes Safety for Minors in Hazardous Jobs

WASHINGTON — In an effort to address growing concerns over child labor violations, federal and state labor authorities announced a new “joint strategic enforcement initiative” on Tuesday. This move, spearheaded by the U.S. Wage and Hour Division along with various state Departments of Labor and Workforce Development, aims to clamp down on illegal employment practices, particularly those that involve minors engaging in dangerous work that violates federal and state laws. The focus on hazardous occupations stems from a noticeable spike in the employment of minors in roles that are deemed too perilous and are, therefore, … Read more

Supreme Court Allows Texas to Enforce Controversial Immigration Law, Sparks Debate on Federal-State Balance

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has granted permission for the state of Texas to enforce a contentious law that allows state law enforcement officials to arrest individuals suspected of entering the United States illegally. The decision was made by the court on Monday, although no explanation was provided. Justice Amy Coney Barrett, in a concurring opinion joined by Justice Brett Kavanaugh, argued that the Supreme Court should not intervene in this stage because the lower court’s order, which the Biden administration sought to block, was only temporary. This ruling comes as part of a … Read more