Arkansas legislation seeks to ease the criteria for young people seeking employment

Little Rock, Arkansas – A bill introduced on Monday in the Arkansas house would make it simpler for kids under the age of 16 to get employment.

The Youth Hiring Act of 2023 would be established by House Bill 1410, eliminating the necessity for minors under the age of 16 to obtain approval from the Arkansas Department of Labor in order to obtain employment.

The bill would also “restore decision-making to parents concerning their children” and “streamline the hiring process for children under 16 years of age.”

After being read, HB 1410 was forwarded to the House Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor.

Rep. Kendon Underwood and Sen. Clint Penzo, along with Rep. Rebecca Burkes, sponsored the bill.