To Strengthen Child Labor Laws Through The Reinstatement Of Employment Certificates.
Impact
If enacted, HB1731 will amend existing child labor regulations to require that all children under sixteen obtain an employment certificate before being allowed to work. This certificate will need to include verification of the child's age, descriptions of the work, and written consent from a parent or guardian. In addition to ensuring a safer working environment, the bill seeks to provide educational touchpoints for parents, children, and employers on the legal aspects of youth employment, thereby enhancing community awareness and compliance with child labor laws.
Summary
House Bill 1731 aims to strengthen child labor laws in Arkansas by reinstating the requirement for employment certificates for children under the age of sixteen. The bill acknowledges the important growth opportunities that part-time work can provide for teenagers, such as teaching personal finance and fostering confidence. However, it emphasizes the state's responsibility to protect children from hazardous working conditions and ensure that job opportunities do not interfere with their education. The legislative findings highlight a troubling increase in child labor violations in the state, and research suggests that mandatory employment certificates can effectively reduce such violations.
Contention
Notably, the bill comes in response to a significant rise in child labor law violations over the past few years, with legislative findings documenting a 266% increase in such violations from 2020 to 2023. The increase in penalties for violations and the comparative analysis with neighboring states indicate a pressing need for a more robust legal framework. While the bill is expected to garner support from child advocacy groups concerned about youth well-being, it may face pushback from certain business sectors that argue the requirements could increase operational burden.
To Create The Learns Act; To Amend Various Provisions Of The Arkansas Code As They Relate To Early Childhood Through Grade Twelve Education In The State Of Arkansas; And To Declare An Emergency.
To Transfer The Administration Of The Transitional Employment Assistance Program From The Department Of Commerce To The Department Of Human Services; And To Declare An Emergency.
To Create The Arkansas Employment First Act; To Establish The Arkansas Office Of Employment First; To Establish The Employment First Advisory Committee; And To Establish The Employment First Business Partner Program.
To Amend The Civil Penalties And Establish Criminal Penalties Related To Child Labor Violations; And To Clarify The Workers' Compensation Law Related To Child Labor Resulting From Initiated Act 4 Of 1948.
To Support Positive Mental Health For Families With Young Children Through The Arkansas Medicaid Program; And To Establish Supplemental Reimbursement Rates For Preventive Services For Children.
To Transfer The Child Abuse Hotline And All Civil Child Maltreatment Investigations From The Department Of Public Safety To The Department Of Human Services; And To Declare An Emergency.
To Create The Protect Arkansas Act; To Amend Arkansas Law Concerning Sentencing And Parole; To Amend Arkansas Law Concerning Certain Criminal Offenses; And To Create The Legislative Recidivism Reduction Task Force.