Update Applicable to:
All employers operating in the state of Iowa
What happened?
On May 26, Iowa Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill that loosens child labor laws by extending the hours that teens can work and the establishments where they can be employed.
What are the details?
Under the newly signed law, 14- and 15-year-olds are allowed to work two additional hours per day when school is in session, from four to six hours. They are also able to work until 9 p.m. during most of the year and until 11 p.m. from June 1 to Labor Day, two hours later than previously allowed. Sixteen- and 17-year-olds are now permitted to work the same hours as an adult.
The law also allows teens as young as 16 to serve alcohol in restaurants during the hours food is being served if their employer has written permission from their parent or guardian. It also requires that two adults be present while the teen serves alcohol and for the teen to complete “training on prevention and response to sexual harassment.” Children as young as 16 can now also work in areas including manufacturing, with an exemption from the Iowa department of education or Iowa workforce development if it is part of a work-based learning program.
Among the expanded employment opportunities outlined under the new law, 14- and 15-year-olds would be able to do certain types of work in industrial laundry services and in freezers and meat coolers – areas that were previously prohibited.
For more information, please see the links below:
Article 1, Article 2, Article 3
Chapter 92 (which will be amended by the bill)
What do employers need to do?
Employers should review the bill as well as consult with their employment attorney to ensure compliance with the new law.
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