Iowa lawmakers weaken child labor protections with new bill.

Iowa lawmakers have passed a bill that would roll back child labor protections, allowing 14- and 15-year-olds to work two additional hours per day and until 9 p.m. during most of the year. The bill would also allow 16- and 17-year-olds to work the same hours as an adult. Supporters say the relaxed laws would provide greater job opportunities for teens, though opponents have raised concerns that certain occupations permitted under the bill could place children in harm’s way and take their focus away from school and extracurricular activities. The legislation is one of several youth employment bills across the country aiming to relax child labor protections.