Iowa Governor Signs Controversial Education Bills into Law

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed a bill into law that extends the hours that teens can work and the establishments where they can be employed, rolling back child labor protections. The law allows 14- and 15-year-olds to work two additional hours per day when school is in session, from four to six hours, and permits 16- and 17-year-olds to work the same hours as an adult. The law also allows teens as young as 16 to serve alcohol in restaurants during the hours food is being served if their employer has written permission from their parent or guardian. The legislation is part of a broader effort by states to roll back child labor laws.