AR HB1731

Reinstates mandatory employment certificates for children under 16 years of age as a condition of employment in Arkansas

Requires employers to obtain and keep certificates on file, accessible to the Division of Labor and Division of Elementary and Secondary Education

Employment certificates must be issued by the Director of the Division of Labor and require proof of age, description of work and schedule, and written parental/guardian consent

Responds to a 266% increase in child labor violations and 600% increase in financial penalties for violations in Arkansas from 2020-2023

Cites University of Maryland research showing states with employment certificate mandates have 15.5% fewer child labor violation cases and 35.2% fewer minors involved in violations