A team of law students who are enrolled in the the Community Empowerment Law Project (CELP) will assist Pathfinders Resource Conservation and Development (Pathfinders), together with the South Central Iowa Local Workforce Development Board (LWDB) to navigate the complex web of federal and state laws governing youth employment and child labor. The project is driven by the organizations’ shared belief that empowering young people is key to the sustainability of rural communities in Iowa.

In 2023, Governor Reynolds signed SF 542 into law,[1] which effectively “loosened state rules for child labor,”[2] by increasing potential work activities and hours for 14- and 15-year olds, and increasing exceptions to the ban on potentially dangerous work for 16- and 17-year olds, among other changes. Reynolds touted the new law as instilling dignity in work and a strong work ethic in “the next generation and providing opportunities for young adults to earn and save to build a better life."[3]  Critics of the law saw it as a big-business-led effort to “roll back” labor law protections,[4] particularly given the post-pandemic shortage of workers in several industries. 

Parts of Iowa’s new law may conflict with existing federal labor regulations, creating fear and confusion for business owners, work-based learning programs, young people, and their families. Adding to the confusion, all of these stakeholders have their own language for employment-based programs (job, internship, apprenticeship, work-study, work-based learning, and on), which may not be reflected in the state law or the federal regulations.

Pathfinders and LWDB want to ensure that all stakeholders—including school counselors, young people, local restaurant owners, community colleges, immigrant families—understand their rights and legal obligations at the intersection of state and federal law. The seek to support the development of lawful, safe, and fair workplaces that give rural youth the opportunity to build skills and earn money. They also want to give employers the tools to successfully mentor, train, and employ youth.