HB1410

House Bill 1410, titled the 'Youth Hiring Act of 2023,' aims to simplify the employment process for minors under the age of sixteen in Arkansas. The bill repeals existing state statutes that require minors under sixteen to obtain a state-issued employment certificate before being permitted to work. Under current law, employers must file this certificate, which requires proof of age, a description of duties, and parental consent. The primary intent of the legislation is to remove the Division of Labor's oversight role in authorizing the employment of these minors. Proponents argue this restores decision-making authority to parents and streamlines the hiring process for young workers. The bill essentially eliminates the administrative requirement for state-mandated certification as a condition of employment.