LI announces rulemaking plans for child labor requirements

The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) filed a preproposal for rulemaking to update child labor requirements after three bills were passed during the 2025 legislative session. Substitute House Bill 1121 permits minors enrolled in career and technical education programs to work the same hours during the school year as during vacations. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1644 requires safety consultations for employers and increases penalties for failing to protect minor workers in both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors. House Bill 1722 allows licensed minors to work around bloodborne pathogens with appropriate certifications. L&I plans to amend existing agricultural and non-agricultural child labor rules to align with these new legislative standards.

Potential updates may also include reorganizing and clarifying existing requirements, as well as repealing outdated standards. The department will seek public input when the draft rules are made available later this year. These changes are designed to enhance the safety and rights of young workers in Washington State.