Washington—This week the House of Representatives will vote on the Preserving America’s Family Farms Act. This bipartisan bill, of which Congresswoman Jenkins is a co-sponsor, will protect the rights of young Kansans to voluntarily work on a family farm.

“Last year, the administration and Department of Labor drafted federal rules to prohibit 14 and 15-year-olds from engaging in farm work they categorized as dangerous. However, this rule was so broad that it could apply to such everyday tasks as caring for animals older than six months or using a battery-operated screwdriver. The rules allowed a parental exemption, but still applied to all grandchildren, nieces,  nephews and all other friends and relatives of a certain age.

“Fortunately, the administration withdrew the proposed rule in April, but the possibility of enactment still exists. This new legislation prohibits the Secretary of Labor from finalizing or enforcing this rule in the future.

“Like many Kansans, I grew up working on a family farm where our newest generation has always been an integral part of farm life and operation. Safety is a big part of operating a farm, and should not be taken lightly. However, this 85-page rule was unreasonable and overreaching. It would unnecessarily restrict the participation of young people in agriculture-related activities. This bill would prevent such future rules and it is my hope that it passes the House this week.”

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