Child Labor Act

This act governs the employment of children, barring work below a set minimum age and limiting the hours and types of occupations open to those who are old enough to work but still under the age of majority, with tighter restrictions on hazardous trades for the youngest workers. Its central mechanism is a work permit system: older children may be employed only under permits issued by designated officials upon application and proof of eligibility, permits are limited in term and subject to renewal, and employers must maintain records and keep permits and premises open to inspection by the state labor authority. Enforcement is carried out by a state child labor inspector and the labor department, backed by penalties and court jurisdiction over violations, and the act carves out exceptions, including special treatment for children working in the performing arts, whose earnings may be required to be held in a trust account.

Editorial summary generated from the text of this act. It is not part of the statute — read the sections below for the operative language.