Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1726

Introduced

7/14/25

Refer

7/14/25

Caption

Further providing for definitions, for occupations and establishments, for employment of minors in a performance and for duties of employer; repealing provisions relating to work permit; and further providing for administration and for newspaper delivery.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1726 would directly influence the legal framework governing the employment of minors in Pennsylvania. By repealing the work permit requirement, the bill could reduce administrative barriers for both employers and minors seeking to work in performance-related occupations. Advocates argue that this change is necessary to keep pace with evolving labor markets and to support young performers, providing them with more opportunities to gain work experience. However, the bill's opponents raise concerns about the potential for exploitation and the need for proper safeguards to ensure the safety and well-being of minors in the workplace.

Summary

House Bill 1726 seeks to amend existing laws concerning the employment of minors, particularly focusing on their roles in performances. The bill aims to update the definitions of certain occupations and establishments related to minor employment, as well as clarify the duties of employers regarding these young workers. A notable aspect of this bill is the proposal to repeal the current provisions that mandate work permits for minors engaged in these performances, which is viewed as an effort to simplify regulations surrounding minor employment.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 1726 appears mixed, with strong arguments both for and against the repeal of work permit regulations. Proponents emphasize the need for flexibility in minor employment laws, arguing that the repeal will encourage more diverse job opportunities for young performers. Conversely, critics express apprehension regarding the absence of work permits, fearing it could lead to a lack of oversight and increased risks for minors employed in potentially hazardous environments. This divide highlights the ongoing debate over balancing youthful employment opportunities with adequate protections.

Contention

One of the primary points of contention with HB 1726 is the repeal of work permits for minors, which some stakeholders believe could undermine critical protections that prevent labor exploitation. While supporters advocate that this change will modernize and facilitate employment for young talent, opponents stress the importance of work permits as a mechanism for ensuring minors are not subjected to dangerous working conditions. The discussion surrounding HB 1726 reflects broader societal concerns about child labor laws and the responsibilities of employers in safeguarding the rights and welfare of younger workers.

Latest PA HB1726 Activity

View All Events: PA 2025-2026 Regular Session HB1726

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB2377

Further providing for definitions and for employment of minors in a performance.

PA HB1729

Further providing for definitions; providing for use of automated employment decision tool; and further providing for civil penalties.

PA HB2051

Further providing for occupations and establishments.

PA HB756

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in contributions by employers and employees, further providing for relief from charges; and, in compensation, further providing for ineligibility for compensation.

PA HB2559

In damages by action at law, further providing for recovery; in liability and compensation, further providing for schedule of compensation, repealing provisions relating to computation of benefits and providing for computation of benefits; in procedure, further providing for compromise and release, for collective bargaining agreement and for workers' compensation insurance; in additional coverages, further providing for irrebuttable presumption; in Self-Insurance Guaranty Fund, further providing for definitions and for prefund account; and, in Uninsured Employers Guaranty Fund, further providing for definitions.

PA HB1405

Further providing for definitions and for minimum wages; providing for tipped employees; and further providing for civil actions and for preemption.

PA HB2621

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in administration, further providing for duties of department and agencies; and providing for registration of abuse and neglect perpetrators.

PA HB1141

In preliminary provisions, further providing for short title, for declaration of intent and for definitions; in wages and hours, further providing for minimum wages, for piece rates, for employment of minors, for discrimination on account of sex prohibited, for records required and notice to workers, for wage payment and for hours of labor and providing for minimum guaranteed period of employment; in regulations and inspections, further providing for rules and regulations, for inspections and entry, for permit to operate a seasonal farm labor camp, for enforcement orders, for civil remedies and for drinking water and toilet facilities and providing for food service and cooking facilities, for cooperative agreements with Federal and State agencies, for medical services and for posting of information concerning housing; in access and entry, further providing for tenancy rights, for interference prohibited and for privileged persons and providing for privacy rights of tenants; in registration of farm labor contractors, further providing for annual registration required, for qualifications of registrants, for agents exempt from registration and employment agencies, for farm labor contractors and agents and prohibited activities and for Secretary of Labor and Industry and powers and duties; in construction, repeals, penalties and effective date, further providing for criminal penalties and providing for retaliation prohibited, for private right of action and for civil penalties and enforcement orders; and making an editorial change.

PA HB1735

In employees, further providing for definitions and for powers and duties of commission.

PA SB836