Bill would allow teens to work in family logging operations

Washington — Bipartisan legislation recently introduced in both chambers of Congress would permit 16- and 17-year-olds from logging families to work in the family business.

Introduced Feb. 11, the Future Logging Careers Act (S. 509 and H.R. 1193) would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 – which lists hazardous jobs that are off-limits to anyone younger than 18 – to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to work in certain mechanized logging operations under parental supervision.

“Similar exemptions already exist for farming families,” states a press release from the office of Sen. James Risch (R-ID), sponsor of the Senate bill. Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME) introduced the companion bill in the House.

Risch says the bill would allow families to pass down knowledge of the trade and prepare the next generation of loggers.

Industry groups such as the American Loggers Council and the Associated Logging Contractors of Idaho support the legislation.

“Idaho’s logging industry is rooted in family-run businesses,” Risch said, “but current law is preventing them from passing down the trade.”

The Senate bill has been referred to the Health Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. The House bill has been referred to the Education and Workforce Committee.