As with many issues, policies surrounding teen labor illuminate political differences around the country.

In Washington, House Bill 1644 is awaiting a signature from Gov. Bob Ferguson after passing the Legislature in a mostly party-line vote. Democrats approved the bill with support from a few Republicans, including Southwest Washington Sens. Paul Harris and John Braun. The legislation sets minimum penalties for youth labor violations, prohibits companies with multiple serious safety violations from hiring minors, and requires inspections before authorizing certain minor work permits.

“We know that minors are more likely to get hurt due to their lack of experience,” said Rep. Mary Fosse, D-Everett, a prime sponsor of the bill. “These kids are also — unfortunately — more likely to be taken advantage of due to that lack of experience.”

At the same time, Cascade PBS reported this week that the state Department of Labor & Industries has asked the Clark County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to investigate and prosecute Rotschy Inc., a Vancouver-based construction services company. The department claims the company allowed a 16-year-old worker to operate dangerous, prohibited machinery without supervision in 2023, resulting in the loss of both his legs.

The efforts to protect teen workers stands in contrast with many Republican-led states. Florida has rolled back child labor laws, and this year is considering a bill that would allow children as young as 14 to work overnight shifts. In Iowa, legislation loosened restrictions on teens working in the meatpacking industry.

To some extent, the laws are a response to a tightening of restrictions on undocumented workers and expectations of mass deportations. As Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said: “Yes, we had people that left because of those rules, but you’ve also been able to hire other people. And what’s wrong with expecting our young people to be working part-time now? I mean, that’s how it used to be when I was growing up.”

But working in a meatpacking plant or operating heavy machinery is far different from picking strawberries, mowing lawns or babysitting to earn some pocket money. And it is far different from a typical summer job at a fast-food restaurant, grocery store or landscaping company.

Nationally, teen employment — along with other employment — plummeted during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has made a strong comeback, but local teens report difficulty in finding work with summer approaching and employers concerned about the direction of the economy.

One potential worker recently told The Columbian: “It’s a little frustrating because I need to find a job as soon as possible. I haven’t heard back from anyone yet — not even a single email.” Another reported applying for at least 10 jobs but hearing back from only two employers.

The lack of opportunities can have a lasting impact on the workforce. As Washington’s Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board surmises: “By engaging in hands-on experiences, internships, and apprenticeships, young people can gain valuable insights into a wide range of career pathways, identify their passions and strengths, and develop interpersonal skills such as problem-solving, communication, and teamwork.”

All of which creates a conundrum for policymakers. States should, indeed, pursue policies that promote the employment of young workers. At the same time, those workers require adequate protection. Washington has found an appropriate middle ground.