AR
Arkansas House Bill HB1996

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

Arkansas House Bill HB1996

Introduced
4/7/25  

Caption

To Amend The Child Labor Laws Enacted By Initiated Act 1 Of 1914; To Establish An Educational Alternative To Civil Penalties For Certain Violations; And To Create Educational Materials Related To Child Labor.

Impact

The bill acknowledges the increasing trend of child labor violations, which reportedly rose by 266% between 2020 and 2023 in Arkansas, along with a staggering 600% increase in financial penalties for these violations. Through the introduction of educational materials about the Fair Labor Standards Act and state rules regarding child employment, the bill aims to reduce the number of violations by providing clearer guidance to employers, parents, and guardians. Importantly, it offers the opportunity to waive civil penalties for first-time offenders who complete the education module, thereby encouraging compliance rather than punishment.

Summary

House Bill 1996 aims to amend existing child labor laws in Arkansas, specifically those enacted by Initiated Act 1 of 1914. The bill is designed to establish educational alternatives to civil penalties for certain violations concerning child labor. By introducing educational modules that employers and guardians can complete, the bill seeks to ensure that they understand the legal requirements and regulations surrounding the employment of minors, particularly children under the age of sixteen. The educational approach also emphasizes the importance of ensuring that employment does not interfere with a teenager's education.

Contention

While the bill presents a positive aspect of enhancing awareness about child labor laws, there may be contention surrounding the effectiveness of educational modules compared to traditional penalties. Proponents argue that education will foster a better understanding of responsibilities, while critics might suggest that this leniency could lead to continued violations if employers do not take the regulations seriously. The balance between allowing teenagers to gain valuable work experience and protecting them from exploitation remains a critical focus of the discussions surrounding HB1996.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR SB390

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.

AR HB1410

To Revise The Child Labor Laws; And To Create The "youth Hiring Act Of 2023".

AR SB458

To Amend The Public School Choice Act Of 2015; And To Amend The Eligibility Of Children Of Active Duty Uniformed Services Personnel To Participate In The Arkansas Children's Educational Freedom Account Program.

AR SB294

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.

AR HB1158

To Create The Early Childhood Education Workforce Quality Incentive Act; And To Create Income Tax Credits For Certain Early Childhood Education Workers And For Eligible Business Childcare Expenses.

AR HB1834

To Amend The Abortion Inducing Drugs Safety Act To Increase The Criminal Penalties And Clarify The Civil Penalties.

AR HB1542

To Prohibit Anonymous Reporting To The Child Abuse Hotline; To Amend Penalties And The Statute Of Limitations For Failure To Report Child Maltreatment; And To Amend The Law Regarding Who Is A Mandated Reporter.

AR SB5

To Amend The Philanthropic Investment In Arkansas Kids Program Act And The Arkansas Children's Educational Freedom Account Program; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1323

To Create Child Mental Health Screening Programs In Schools And Child Care Facilities For Children From Birth To Nineteen Years Of Age.

AR SB318

To Amend The Law Concerning The Arkansas Manufactured Home Commission; And To Require Civil Penalties Assessed By The Arkansas Manufactured Home Commission To Be Established By Rule.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.