States ease child labor laws ahead of summer hiring season

As summer approaches, four states—Indiana, Nebraska, Washington, and West Virginia—have relaxed child labor laws, offering teens more work opportunities but with less legal protection. This change could benefit young people seeking early work experience, but it raises concerns about the safety and rights of minors in the workforce. The shift comes amid a broader debate on balancing youth employment with safeguarding vulnerable workers, highlighting the ongoing tension between economic opportunity and regulatory oversight.