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SB 2525

Children - As introduced, allows a high school student who is older than 15 years of age but younger than 19 years of age to work in a child care center outside of school hours or during school hours through a work-based learning program if the student meets certain criteria. - Amends TCA Title 37; Title 49; Title 50, Chapter 5 and Title 71.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Tom Hatcher

Tennessee bill permits high school students ages 15-18 to work in child care centers during/after school hours to address staffing shortages while enabling job training.

Pub. Ch. 873
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Bill Summary · SB 2525

Legislative bill overview

SB 2525 permits high school students aged 15-18 to work in child care centers during non-school hours or through structured work-based learning programs during school hours, provided they meet specified criteria. The bill modifies Tennessee's child labor and education statutes to establish regulatory framework for this employment category.

Why is this important

The bill creates a new labor pathway for teenagers, potentially addressing child care worker shortages while providing work experience and job training. It affects labor law enforcement, school scheduling, and child care facility operations across Tennessee.

Potential points of contention

  • Child safety standards: Whether teenage workers have adequate training and supervision to meet child safety obligations, and liability implications if incidents occur
  • Educational impact: Concerns that work-based learning during school hours could compromise academic progress, particularly for students already struggling
  • Labor exploitation risk: Whether wage protections and hour limitations are sufficiently robust to prevent overwork or underpayment of teen employees
  • Implementation clarity: Ambiguity around what specific criteria students must meet and how consistently standards will be enforced across facilities

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

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