Bill > HB275

This bill amends existing law to create an exception to employment prohibitions for children aged 16 and older who are participating in apprenticeship programs or other work-based learning experiences specifically in the fields of culinary arts or information technology. To qualify for this exception, the child must be continuously enrolled in an accredited secondary school and receive ongoing support from school officials to ensure they are on track to graduate. Additionally, the child must be a registered apprentice, which involves adherence to specific federal regulations (29 C.F.R. § 570.50(b) or (c)) and state apprenticeship laws. The work must also be part of a work-training program administered by the Board of Education, and crucially, the work performed cannot violate federal laws like the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), state occupational safety regulations, or any laws prohibiting hazardous work for minors. This provision aims to provide young people with valuable hands-on experience in these growing industries while maintaining important safety and educational standards.