SB53 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur OrrSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

Child labor, eliminating the eligibility to work form.

Summary

SB53 ends the eligibility-to-work form and replaces it with an annual Class I/Class II certificate system for hiring minors ages 14–17.

What This Bill Does

The bill removes the eligibility-to-work form requirement. It creates Class I certificates for 14–15 year-olds and Class II certificates for 16–17 year-olds, issued by the Department of Labor and required for each location where a minor is employed. Certificates must be kept on file by the employer and allow work only outside school hours or during vacations and in occupations not prohibited by law. If a minor’s attendance or performance is unsatisfactory, the department can revoke the certificate, and employers can face penalties for hiring without the proper certificate, with the act taking effect June 1, 2024.

Who It Affects

• Minors ages 14–17: Work is now governed by Class I (14–15) or Class II (16–17) certificates rather than an eligibility form; 14–15 work outside school hours during vacations in allowed occupations, and 16–17 work under Class II; certificates can be revoked for poor attendance or performance.
• Employers and their agents: Must obtain and keep on file the appropriate Class I/II certificates for each location, pay a $15 fee per certificate, notify the minor’s school about employment, and may be penalized ($50) for hiring a minor without the proper certificate.

Key Provisions

• Eliminates the eligibility-to-work form and repeals Section 25-8-46.
• Creates Class I and Class II Child Labor Certificates, issued annually by the Department of Labor, with a $15 fee for each certificate.
• Requires Class I certificates for employing 14– to 15-year-olds and Class II certificates for 16– to 17-year-olds, for each location where a minor is employed; employment must comply with other parts of child labor law.
• Certificates authorize work only outside school hours or during vacations and only in occupations not prohibited by law; certificate revocation can occur if attendance or performance is unsatisfactory.
• Employers must keep the certificates on file and provide a list of employed minors for inspection.
• If a minor is employed without the proper certificate, the employer faces a $50 penalty and must obtain the certificate in the proper manner.
• Parents must notify the minor’s school about the employer and location of employment.
• The Department of Labor can revoke or suspend certificates for unsatisfactory attendance or performance, with processing overseen by the department.
• Effective date of the act is June 1, 2024.
• The Department of Labor is the issuing authority for Class I and Class II certificates.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Labor & Employment