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House Approves Child Employment Bill
HB 128 Would Streamline Process of Obtaining State Permission

(JUNEAU) - Young Alaskans seeking the benefits and experience of paid labor would have an easier time obtaining the government permission required under state law under House Bill 128, which passed the House unanimously today.

Rep. Scott Ogan (R-Palmer) introduced House Bill 128 in response to concerns from constituents who want to employ young people on their farms, but who found it takes so long for minors to comply with state law by applying to and waiting for approval from the commissioner of the state Department of Labor, that minors were unwilling to pursue farm work.

House Bill 128 moves beyond farm labor, however, and would allow any employer seeking to hire minors for any job, whether on a farm, a fast-food store or a retail shop, to apply for and obtain advance approval from the Department of Labor to have minors aged 14 to 17 perform specific job duties. Minors would only need to provide the commissioner with their parent or guardian's signature on a state-designed permission form within seven days of starting the job. The bill does not in any way weaken existing child labor protection laws.

The bill specifies that the department's permission form would authorize only specific work duties, must be filed within seven days of hire, would be valid for a full calendar year, and would require the signature by the minor's parent or guardian.

HB 128 moves next to the Senate for consideration.

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