Arkansas Child Labor Laws
Act 322 of 1913 created the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, which placed restrictions on child labor. In 1927, Act 161 abolished the Bureau and established the Arkansas Department of Labor, taking over these responsibilities.
Child Labor Laws in Arkansas For Minors Under 14
Current Arkansas Child Labor Laws state that children must be at least 14 years old to be employed. Children under the age of 14 are not allowed to be employed or work in any occupation for remuneration except during school vacation when working for businesses owned or controlled by a parent or guardian. These restrictions are made to protect the physical, mental, and intellectual development of children.
Child Labor Laws in Arkansas For Minors 14 and 15 Years Old
A work permit from the Arkansas Department of Labor is required for all minors age 14-15. Youth in this age group are not allowed to work in occupations considered dangerous to life, limb, health, or morals. Prohibited types of work include: working in a saloon, bar, or resort where liquor is sold, manufacturing, mining, processing, operating power-driven machinery, driving a motor vehicle, using woodworking equipment, and operating a printing press with anything but foot power.
The laws outline the restrictions for this age group, including,
When public school is in session:
- May not work more than six days per week
- A maximum of eight hours per day
- No more than 48 hours per week
- Not earlier than 6am or later than 7pm on nights before school days
- May work until 9pm on nights before non-school days
When public school is not in session:
- May not work more than six days per week
- A maximum of eight hours per day
- No more than 48 hours per week
- Not earlier than 6am or later than 9pm
Child Labor Laws in Arkansas For Minors 16 and 17 Years Old
The Child Labor Law applies to those 16 years of age. A work permit is not required. They may be employed in any occupation except the operation of a taxi or the sale, transport, or handling of alcohol, security guard jobs, adult/nude entertainment, gambling establishments/race tracks, truck stops/gas stations, and delivery jobs. Restrictions do not apply to those who have graduated from high school, vocational school, or technical school or those who are married or a parent. The guidelines include,
When public school is in session:
- May not work more than 10 consecutive hours in a day
- A maximum of 10 hours in a 24 hour period
- May not work more than six days per week
- A maximum of 54 hours per week
- No earlier than 6am or later than 11pm on nights before school days
- No later than midnight on nights before non-school days
When public school is not in session:
- May not work more than 10 consecutive hours in a day
- A maximum of 10 hours in a 24 hour period
- May not work more than six days per week
- A maximum of 54 hours per week