Imagine being 15 again: your biggest concerns are school projects, social status, and after-school hangouts. Now, add a new responsibility to that list – working. In response to increasing labor shortages, Iowa is the most recent state to ease child labor regulations, allowing teenagers to tackle more work roles for extended hours.

The freshly inked law, signed by Governor Kim Reynolds, extends work possibilities for young Iowans. With the updated rules, 14- and 15-year-olds can now take on jobs involving “light” manufacturing, without the use of heavy machinery. Older teenagers, aged 16 and 17, can serve alcohol until 11 p.m. during the summer months, provided they have parental approval.

In the wake of this decision, Iowa joins a group of 20 states that have opted for flexible labor regulations for young adults, aiming to help them acquire workplace skills earlier in life. The intention is to provide younger individuals with opportunities for professional growth, financial independence, and exposure to potential career paths.

As with any significant change, this one isn’t without its critics. The U.S. Department of Labor has voiced concerns, calling such state actions “irresponsible” in loosening child labor protections. Yet, Republican lawmakers advocate for the move as a practical answer to the workforce deficit that businesses have been grappling with since the COVID-19 pandemic onset.

This move isn’t unique to Iowa alone. Over the past two years, ten similar bills have been introduced or enacted nationwide, scrutinizing minimum ages for specific jobs, permitted work hours for minors, and eligible industries for youth employment. Apart from Iowa, governors in Arkansas, New Hampshire, and New Jersey have also enacted measures in their respective states.

This decision to alter child labor laws is a direct response to business owners struggling to find enough workers. At just 2.7%, Iowa’s April unemployment rate is below the national average of 3.4%. Similar labor shortage problems are evident in Arkansas and New Hampshire, with unemployment rates of 2.8% and 2.1% respectively. Meanwhile, New Jersey, the only state with a Democrat governor to enact similar changes, has an unemployment rate of 3.5%, slightly above the national average.

While the long-term impact of these changes remains to be seen, it’s clear that we’re navigating a shifting labor landscape. Whether this is an effective strategy or a short-term fix, only time will tell. In the meantime, get ready to see some younger faces clocking in at your local businesses.