A bill package getting a hearing Tuesday before the Michigan Senate Labor Committee would create more oversight of child labor in the state.

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The bills would create a centralized state registry of children in the workforce rather than relying on each school district to keep track. The package would also toughen penalties for having kids work in unsafe conditions.

This isn’t the first time lawmakers have tried to update Michigan’s child labor laws since a New York Times investigation revealed extreme cases in West Michigan.

House bills to add more teeth to the state’s child labor laws have been before the full chamber for almost a year. And another to create a centralized way to monitor children in the workforce received a committee hearing in May but haven’t seen action since.

Opponents to those efforts say they could overcomplicate the child work permitting process.

-Reporting by Colin Jackson, Michigan Public Radio Network

Other headlines for Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024:

• The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education Advancement and Potential is hosting a series of free webinars about the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, with the first set for 6:30 p.m. this evening. 
• The city of Detroit is gearing up for its Halloween in the D festivities on Oct. 31, during which several police stations and fire engine houses across the city will host Trunk or Treat events. on Oct. 31. Visitors are encouraged to come in costume.
• The Detroit Police Athletic League is inviting young people to join its Youth Voice Council. The youth-led program is made up of 13- to 18-year-olds who will receive mentorship and training. 

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