Social and Labor Legislation

Abstract

Noteworthy changes in social legislation, including labor legislation, enacted in 1930 by Congress and the legislatures of 12 states of the United States are reviewed. Old age assistance in the form of poor relief, somewhat humanized, rather than old age pensions, is provided by law in New York and Massachusetts. Labor legislation dealt with improved service under workmen's compensation laws in four states and Porto Rico, notably in Virginia, and, through additional diseases, made compensable in New York. Congress extended federal vocational rehabilitation to persons injured in industry for another two years. Unemployment statistics and investigation of available public services were provided by Congress and in several states. Little legislation on the subject of hours of labor. Nine-hour day and 54-hour week, with exceptions, enacted for women in Louisiana. Half-day weekly holidays assured for women over 16 years of age in New York factories and mercantile establishments. Some reorganization of Federal Public Health Service and of federal administrative units concerned with prohibition, narcotics, and the treatment of prisoners. Anti-steel-trap measure of humane legislation in Massachusetts adopted on initiative-referendum at November election.