May 19, 2009

Governor Riley Signs Child Labor Reform Act

MONTGOMERY - Governor Bob Riley has signed a bill reforming Alabama’s child labor enforcement standards, transferring the permitting process from the public school system to the Alabama Department of Labor.

Last year school systems handed out more than 50,000 work permits to minors. Under the new system, which will be implemented this fall, permits will be handled by the Labor Department through a certification process involving direct contact with businesses. Schools will still issue “eligibility to work” forms certifying that students under 16 have satisfactory grades and attendance in order to be employed.

The reform act also allows the Labor Dept. to issue civil money penalties for minor offenses in lieu of prosecution in the courts. Alabama had over 2,500 child labor law violations last year.

“This reform streamlines the process a great deal and makes enforcement of child labor standards much more efficient,” said Governor Riley.

Alabama first adopted a child labor law in 1883 after abuses ran rampant in coal mines and textile mills. Most teenagers today work in retail, fast food or commercial enterprises with hourly restrictions in place during the school year. Teenagers under 16 cannot work past 7 p.m. when school is in session. Those under 19 cannot work past 10 p.m. on school nights if in school.

“Child labor standards are a serious matter,” Bennett said. “Unfortunately, some businesses put teenagers at risk in direct conflict with labor law which has been on the books for years.”

Seven Alabama teenagers have died in prohibited work-related activities in Alabama since 2000.

The reform bill was sponsored by Representative Frank McDaniel and Senator Quinton Ross and was supported by the Alabama Labor Department and the Alabama Department of Education.