HR3335-119

What This Bill Does

The Children Don't Belong on Tobacco Farms Act changes the Fair Labor Standards Act child labor rules. It adds to the definition of oppressive child labor any work by an employee under 18 that involves direct contact with tobacco plants or dried tobacco leaves. It also excludes tobacco-related agriculture from the agricultural work that children may otherwise perform outside school hours. The result is a federal prohibition on minors working in tobacco agriculture jobs that require direct contact with tobacco plants or dried leaves.

Who Benefits and How

Minors in tobacco agriculture benefit because they are barred from direct-contact tobacco work that can expose them to nicotine and farm hazards. Child labor advocates benefit from a clear federal rule covering tobacco plants and dried tobacco leaves. Schools and youth-service organizations benefit from stronger legal backing when discouraging hazardous agricultural work by children. Parents of minors in farm communities benefit from a federal standard that limits direct tobacco work by children.

Who Bears the Burden and How

Tobacco growers must stop assigning employees under 18 to jobs involving direct contact with tobacco plants or dried leaves. Agricultural employers must adjust hiring, job assignments, and compliance systems for tobacco-related work. Labor Department Wage and Hour staff must enforce the new oppressive-child-labor category. Farm labor contractors must verify age and job duties before placing minors in tobacco work.

Key Provisions

• Adds direct contact with tobacco plants or dried tobacco leaves by employees under 18 to oppressive child labor.
• Excludes tobacco-related agriculture from the agricultural child-labor allowance.
• Prohibits minors from tobacco farm jobs involving direct contact with plants or dried leaves.
• Requires agricultural employers and labor enforcement staff to apply the new tobacco-specific child labor rule.