Larger civil and criminal penalties for violating child labor laws effective Oct. 1

May 8, 2024

Act No. 2024-285
Sen. Robert L. Stewart, D-Selma

As of Oct. 1, penalties will increase for employers who violate certain child labor laws, under Act No. 2024-285.

The law increases both civil and criminal penalties. A civil penalty of not less than $300 can be levied upon determining an employer employed:

  • someone under 16 in a prohibited occupation.
  • a 14- or 15-year-old for more than six days a week or more than eight hours on non-school days while school is in session, more than three hours on a school day, or for more than 18 hours in any school week and before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m.
  • someone under 14 to sell newspapers and other items on the street or in a public place.
  • anyone under legal drinking age to pour or dispense alcoholic beverages.
  • a minor in unsanitary conditions.

The $300 or more civil penalty also applies to certain record keeping and posting requirements and violating the law regarding employing hiring minors as actors or performers.

The law increases the current $1,000 to $5,000 civil penalty to $5,000 to $10,000 for:

  • employing 14- or 15-year-olds in manufacturing or mechanical establishment, cannery, mill, workshop, or machine shop or in any occupation or place of employment otherwise prohibited by law.
  • having someone under 16 operate or assist in operating any sandpaper or wood polishing machinery, any washing, grinding, or mixing machinery or commercial laundry equipment.
  • employing anyone under 16 years of age in any place or occupation the Alabama Labor Department declares dangerous to life or limb or injurious to the health or morals of persons.
  • employing those under 18 in a long list of dangerous occupations.
  • employing someone under 18 in the adult entertainment industry.

In addition to civil penalties, if an employer’s violation involves a serious injury or death of a minor they could be found guilty of a Class B or C felony. The first conviction moves from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class C felony. The second or subsequent conviction would be classified as a Class B felony.

Sen. Robert L. Stewart, D-Selma, sponsored the legislation, which the House approved May 2 and the Alabama Senate approved March 19. The governor signed it into law May 8. It takes effect Oct. 1.

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