Florida has reportedly introduced a bill that would remove certain restrictions on people under the age of 18 working, including possibly forcing them to work longer hours. Civil rights attorney Alejandra Caraballo said the new bill, HB49, which was filed on September 18, would mean people aged 16 and 17 would be allowed to work longer hours and overnight. The bill, which has not yet been passed or advanced, would remove part of state law that says 16 and 17 year olds can’t work before 6.30 am or after 11 pm, or for more than eight hours when school is scheduled the next day. The bill states that minors of 16 and 17 years of age may be employed, permitted, or suffered to work the same number of hours as a person who is 18 years of age or older. Caraballo said the bill would gut child labor laws and allow minors to work full-time and overnight. The bill was filed by House Republican Linda Chaney, and if passed after going through the state legislative procedure, will come into force on July 1, 2024. The proposed bill is part of a nationwide trend aimed at weakening child labor protection laws.