LET’S Protect Workers Act

The LET'S Protect Workers Act (HR6597) was introduced in the House of Representatives on December 10, 2025, and subsequently referred to three committees: Education and Workforce, Oversight and Government Reform, and House Administration. This bill aims to increase civil monetary penalties for child labor violations to a maximum of $150,000 per employee (not less than $1,500) and up to $700,000 for violations causing death or serious injury, with potential doubling for repeated or willful offenses. It also seeks to enhance wage and hour protections through increased penalties. This bill does not authorize or appropriate any specific funding amount. Instead, it modifies existing penalty structures under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. The financial impact on companies would stem from increased operational costs due to heightened compliance requirements and the risk of substantially larger fines for infractions. The bill's sponsor, Rep. Robert C. "Bobby" Scott [D-VA-3], is a senior member of Congress, and the bill has 79 cosponsors, indicating significant support within the House. However, its referral to multiple committees signifies a lengthy legislative path ahead. Structural losers under this proposed legislation would be companies heavily reliant on low-wage labor and those with extensive hourly workforces, particularly in sectors where child labor or wage and hour violations have historically occurred. This includes large retail chains and fast-food establishments. Companies like Walmart Inc. ($WMT), Amazon.com, Inc. ($AMZN), Dollar General Corporation ($DG), Dollar Tree, Inc. ($DLTR), McDonald's Corporation ($MCD), Yum! Brands, Inc. ($YUM), and Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. ($CMG) could face increased scrutiny and potential financial liabilities if the bill progresses and becomes law. These companies operate with large, often low-wage, workforces and would be directly impacted by stricter enforcement and higher penalties. Looking at recent market data (as of 2026-04-06), Walmart Inc. ($WMT) is at $126.79, up 2.66% over 7 days and 2.82% over 30 days. Amazon.com, Inc. ($AMZN) is at $212.79, up 5.89% over 7 days but down 2.81% over 30 days. McDonald's Corporation ($MCD) is at $309.76, up 0.4% over 7 days but down 5.4% over 30 days. Dollar General Corporation ($DG) is at $125.01, up 6.08% over 7 days but down 14.7% over 30 days. Dollar Tree, Inc. ($DLTR) is at $111.09, up 5.06% over 7 days but down 4.16% over 30 days. Yum! Brands, Inc. ($YUM) is at $157.36, up 1.79% over 7 days but down 0.79% over 30 days. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. ($CMG) is at $33.5, up 7.51% over 7 days but down 9.61% over 30 days. These recent price movements do not reflect the impact of HR6597, as the bill is in its initial stages and its passage is not imminent. The legislative process for this bill is in its early stages, with no further actions since its introduction and referral to committees in December 2025. Significant legislative steps, including committee hearings, markups, and votes in both chambers, remain before it could become law.