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HB 939

An Act amending the the act of October 24, 2012 (P.L.1209, No.151), known as the Child Labor Act, further providing for definitions and for employment of minors in a performance; and providing for employment of minors as content creators.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Missy Cerrato and 10 co-sponsors

Pennsylvania updates child labor laws to regulate minors' employment as online content creators alongside existing performance protections.

Referred to Labor & Industry
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 939

Legislative bill overview

HB 939 amends Pennsylvania's Child Labor Act to update definitions and regulations governing minors' employment in performances and introduces new provisions for minors working as content creators (such as social media influencers, streamers, or video producers). The bill modernizes labor protections to address work arrangements that didn't exist when the original 2012 law was enacted.

Why is this important

Child labor protections have historically focused on traditional employment in factories, agriculture, and retail. As digital content creation has become a significant income source for minors, regulatory gaps have emerged—child influencers and content creators often work without the legal protections afforded to performers in film, theater, or television. This bill addresses whether minors creating online content should have guardrails around working hours, earnings management, parental consent, and educational requirements similar to child performers.

Potential points of contention

  • Defining "content creator": The bill must clarify what qualifies as compensated content creation versus casual social media use, which could affect enforcement and compliance
  • Earnings and financial protection: Whether content creator earnings should be placed in blocked trust accounts (like child performer earnings) remains undefined and could pit creator autonomy against financial protection
  • Platform accountability: Unclear whether social media platforms and digital companies face obligations to verify age, enforce work-hour limits, or report violations—or if responsibility falls solely on parents/guardians

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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