LITTLE ROCK — A bill introduced by U.S. Rep. Tim Griffin would exempt children's consignment sales from certain federal labor regulations.
The government wants the pop-up businesses to pay at least minimum wage to workers. Some children's consignment sales give early access to the merchandise as compensation for people who work the sales. Griffin, a Republican representing Arkansas' 2nd District, filed the bill Tuesday.
Rhea Lana Riner, founder of Rhea Lana's Franchise Systems Inc., a business that runs consignment sales, said the legislation is necessary. Riner says the sales make affordable clothing available to families. Riner says Labor Department regulations are too burdensome.
Griffin's bill would exempt children's consignment events from regulations under the Fair Labor Standards Act.