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HB 2494

Relating generally to child labor.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Wayne Clark and 2 co-sponsors

House Bill 2494 simplifies hiring for minors by removing work permits for ages 14-15, requiring age certificates instead, while enhancing enforcement to protect against illegal employment.

To House Government Adminstration
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Bill Summary · HB 2494

Summary of House Bill 2494: Child Labor Legislation

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: HB 2494
  • Title: Relating generally to child labor
  • Status: To House Government Administration
  • Introduced: February 17, 2025
  • Classification: Bill
  • Subject: Labor

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2494 aims to amend existing child labor laws in West Virginia by eliminating the requirement for 14 and 15-year-olds to obtain a work permit. Instead, the bill establishes a new framework for employers hiring children aged 14 and older, requiring them to obtain an age certificate from the State Commissioner of Labor prior to employment. This change is intended to streamline the hiring process for minors while ensuring that age verification is still enforced.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant changes to the current child labor regulations:

  1. Repeal of Work Permit Requirement:

    • The existing requirements for 14 and 15-year-olds to obtain a work permit (sections §21-6-3 and §21-6-4) will be repealed.

  2. Introduction of Age Certificates:

    • Employers wishing to hire children aged 14 and older must obtain an age certificate from the State Commissioner of Labor. This certificate will serve as proof of the child's age.

  3. Authority of the Commissioner:

    • The Commissioner of Labor will have the authority to issue age certificates and revoke them if they were improperly issued.

  4. Penalties for Violations:

    • The bill establishes penalties for individuals who issue age certificates in violation of the law, including fines for parents, guardians, or school officials who permit illegal employment of minors.

  5. Supervision Permits:

    • The bill retains provisions for supervision permits, allowing for special circumstances under which minors may work, provided they are supervised by a responsible party.

Impact

  • Employers: The bill simplifies the hiring process for employers by removing the work permit requirement, potentially making it easier to employ minors.
  • Minors: Children aged 14 and older will no longer need to navigate the work permit process, but they will still require an age certificate to ensure compliance with labor laws.
  • Enforcement: The bill enhances the authority of the State Commissioner of Labor to oversee age verification and enforce penalties for violations, aiming to protect minors from illegal employment practices.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Actions:
    • February 17, 2025: Filed for introduction and referred to the Committee on Government Organization and then the Judiciary.
    • February 17, 2025: Introduced in the House and subsequently referred to the House Government Administration.

This summary provides an overview of House Bill 2494, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on child labor regulations in West Virginia.

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

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