DONATE
New Indiana Law Ends Child Work Permits, In Favor Of Employer Registration
Justin HicksYouth work permits are no more in Indiana after a new law takes effect on July 1 which requires employers – not workers – to register with the state.
Before now, employers had to file an “Intent to Employ” form and local schools had to issue an approval before anyone under 18 could legally work. Lawmakers in the General Assembly said that was cumbersome and created paperwork for school administrators, frequently in summer months.
READ MORE: Work Permits End This Summer, Among Changes In State Child Labor Laws
Join the conversation and sign up for the Indiana Two-Way. Text "Indiana" to 73224. Your comments and questions in response to our weekly text help us find the answers you need on statewide issues.
They created SEA 409, which mandated the Indiana Department of Labor create a public online database of youth employers instead. Only employers with five or more minors are required to register on it.
It’s been open since June, but starting in July, employers could face fines of up to $400 per employee if they fail to follow the new rules. Indiana DOL says employers must still keep all work permits issued prior to July 1, 2021, for at least two years.
Contact reporter Justin at jhicks@wvpe.org or follow him on Twitter at @Hicks_JustinM.
Support WFYI. We can't do it without you.