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119-s-509119th CongressWALLET

Future Logging Careers Act

Sponsored By: Senator Risch, James E. [R-ID]

Introduced

Summary

Lets certain 16- and 17-year-olds work in defined mechanized logging operations while keeping hazard-based safety limits. The bill would add precise definitions for “logging operation” and “mechanized operation” and keep restrictions for jobs the Secretary of Labor declares particularly hazardous, while carving out parental employment in those hazardous cases.

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  • Families and young workers: Would allow 16- and 17-year-olds to take mechanized logging jobs that do not involve manually operated chainsaws or cable skidders, opening new teen work opportunities in forestry.
  • Employers in logging: Would permit hiring teens for tasks done by specified mechanized equipment, like processors, feller-bunchers, forwarders, and loaders, subject to the law's hazard rules.
  • Regulators and parents: The Secretary of Labor could still identify particularly hazardous logging occupations for 16- and 17-year-olds, but that prohibition would not apply when the youth is employed by a parent who owns or operates the logging business.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

New work rules for teen loggers

If enacted, this bill would change rules for 16- and 17-year-olds working in logging operations. It would add legal definitions for "logging operation" and "mechanized operation." The Secretary of Labor could declare certain logging jobs particularly hazardous for these teens. If declared hazardous, the child-labor hazard rules in section 12 would apply to those 16- and 17-year-olds. The bill would exclude manual chainsaw felling and the use of cable skidders from the defined logging operation. It would also not apply when a teen is employed by their parent in a parent-owned logging operation. Households could see more safety protections, but some teen tasks might be limited and employers could face new compliance costs.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Risch, James E. [R-ID]

ID • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME]

    ME • I

    Sponsored 2/11/2025

  • Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME]

    ME • R

    Sponsored 2/11/2025

  • Sen. Crapo, Mike [R-ID]

    ID • R

    Sponsored 2/11/2025

  • Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]

    TX • R

    Sponsored 2/11/2025

  • Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT]

    MT • R

    Sponsored 2/11/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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