SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — In a significant move to tighten regulations on child labor, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has enacted the Child Labor Law of 2024, set to replace the state’s previous legislation on the employment of minors. Effective January 1, 2025, the new law aims to enhance the protection of minors in the workforce, ensuring their health, safety, welfare, and access to education are prioritized.
While some states have recently relaxed restrictions on child labor, the Illinois law moves in the opposite direction by implementing stricter controls. The legislation introduces both civil and criminal penalties for any business found violating these new standards, which is Governor Pritzker’s second major legislative action on child labor following regulations imposed on minors in vlogging earlier this year.
The law applies specifically to minors 16 and younger, highlighting that children 13 and under are largely prohibited from employment unless specific exemptions apply. This delineates a clear framework intended to prevent the exploitation of young minors in various industries.
To employ a minor, Illinois businesses are now required to secure an employment certificate, which mandates a notice of intention to employ from the employer. This notice, alongside an application completed by the minor and their parent or guardian, must be submitted to the school’s issuing officer. Employers are tasked with maintaining these documents and additional records on-site for the duration of the minor’s employment.
Regarding work hours, the law enforces strict limits. For instance, minors are restricted to no more than 18 hours of work per week during school sessions and 40 hours when school is not in session. Furthermore, nighttime work hours are limited, with different rules applying during the school year and summer break.
The act also specifies prohibited occupations for minors, extending beyond those listed in the Federal Labor Standards Act. These include high-risk environments like construction sites, factories, and any roles involving the operation of power-driven machinery or handling of alcohol.
However, there are several permitted exceptions tailored to balance work opportunities and safety. These include roles like newspaper distribution, certain agricultural jobs, and supervised roles in park districts or non-profit organizations, among others.
Employers are also compelled by the new legislation to ensure proper supervision, adequate meal breaks, and visible posting of the law’s requirements in the workplace. For roles involving minors in entertainment, like live performances or modeling, additional specific rules apply, including adjusted work-hour limitations and the creation of trust accounts for the minors.
Critical to the enforcement of these standards, the Illinois Department of Labor has been granted authority to conduct inspections, issue subpoenas, and enforce compliance through a series of penalties. Violations leading to a minor’s injury could result in fines up to $30,000, and if a minor’s death occurs under unlawful employment conditions, penalties could surge to $60,000.
As the implementation date approaches, Illinois employers are urged to review and amend their hiring practices in accordance with these new requirements. This proactive approach will not only ensure legal compliance but also protect the state’s business reputation and contribute to the overall well-being of its youngest workers. This comprehensive legislation reflects a significant step toward refining the landscape of child labor laws in Illinois, ensuring minors have a safe and supportive work environment.