Washington — Legislation recently introduced in both the House and Senate would prohibit minors from working on tobacco farms.
Sponsored by Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), the Children Don’t Belong on Tobacco Farms Act (S. 1742 and H.R. 3335) would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to prohibit anyone younger than 18 from working in tobacco fields, deeming this type of work oppressive child labor.
According to a press release from Durbin’s office, children as young as 12 are permitted to work in tobacco fields. Direct contact with tobacco plants or dried tobacco leaves can lead to symptoms of tobacco poisoning, including nausea, vomiting, headaches and dizziness.
The release adds that more than a year after tobacco companies and growers’ associations agreed to adopt voluntary standards and not hire workers younger than 16, some children are still working in the industry.
“Kids as young as 12 can be recruited to work on tobacco farms where they are exposed to toxic tobacco plants containing nicotine and may experience common symptoms of nicotine poisoning,” Durbin said. “Putting a stop to this disgraceful labor practice is simple and common sense.”
Sens. Jack Reed (D-RI) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) are co-sponsors of the Senate bill, which has been referred to the Health, Education, Labor and Pension Committee. Its companion bill has been referred to the House Education and Workforce Committee.
Durbin and DeLauro introduced bills by the same name in 2023. Neither advanced out of committee.
