Justice for Exploited Children Act

Higher penalties for child labor violations

This bill would raise civil fines and add criminal penalties for child labor violations. One civil tier would be $1,000 to $150,000 per violation and would be doubled if the violation is repeated or willful. A second civil tier would be $25,000 to $601,150 per violation and would be mandatory. If a violation causes the death of a worker under 18, fines would be $50,000 to $601,150 per violation, doubled if repeated or willful. Criminally, repeated or willful violations could bring up to a $100,000 fine or up to 5 years in prison. If a willful violation caused death or serious injury (or repeated violations each caused such harm), penalties could be up to a $500,000 fine or up to 10 years in prison. These changes would apply to violations on or after the date of enactment.