Future in Logging Careers Act

The Future in Logging Careers Act aims to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to create new labor exemptions for minors in the timber industry. Specifically, the bill would allow 16- and 17-year-olds to be employed in mechanized logging operations, provided they are supervised by a parent or legal guardian who owns or operates the business. This change would align logging regulations with existing exemptions that currently allow teenagers to work on family-owned farms.

If enacted, the legislation would define specific roles for "timber harvesting employers" and "mechanized timber harvesting employers," covering activities such as felling, skidding, and processing timber using modern machinery. Proponents argue the bill would help sustain family-run logging businesses by allowing the next generation to gain hands-on experience and technical skills at a younger age. While the bill seeks to expand employment opportunities, it would still allow the Secretary of Labor to identify and restrict specific occupations deemed too hazardous for minors, balancing workforce development with safety requirements.