Washington addresses rising youth labor law violations by increasing penalties for offenders
DUPONT — Today, Governor Bob Ferguson signed into law a bill strengthening protections for working minors in Washington.
As more youths enter the workforce, House Bill 1644, sponsored by Rep. Mary Fosse (D-Everett), increases penalties for companies that violate child labor laws, and makes it easier for the state to bar problem employers from hiring young workers. Sen. Derek Stanford (D-Bothell) sponsored the companion bill.
Governor Ferguson signed the bill on International Workers’ Memorial Day at the Western Washington Sheet Metal Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee’s DuPont campus.
“As more youth enter Washington’s workforce, protecting their safety must be a top priority,” said Governor Bob Ferguson. “This legislation helps ensure the state has the tools needed to hold employers who exploit them accountable.”
“Our laws haven’t kept pace with the protections minors clearly deserve,” said Rep. Fosse. “Outdated laws and a lack of meaningful accountability for violators are putting children at risk of injury and exploitation.”
Washington minor workers’ injury claims increased 60% between 2009 and 2023, according to the Department of Labor & Industries. In that same period, employment among 16- to 19-year-olds grew more than 30%, Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows. In 2024, approximately a third of Washingtonians ages 16 to 19 held jobs.
HB 1644 sets minimum penalties for youth labor violations, ranging from $100 for each time a company fails to obtain a minor work permit, and a minimum of at least $71,000 for any violation resulting in the serious injury or death of a minor. Beginning on July 1, 2027, and every two years after, the Department of Labor & Industries must adjust the penalty amounts for inflation.
The new law also requires L&I to conduct health and safety inspections before issuing certain minor work permits.
Companies with three or more serious, repeat or willful safety or youth labor violations are now prohibited from hiring minors.
Watch Governor Ferguson’s remarks and bill signing here.
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