HB 237 Summary

• Requires employers to obtain a preauthorization certificate from the Division of Regulation before employing child performers, with certificate valid for 1 year or until project completion.

• Establishes working hour limitations for child performers based on age, ranging from 2 hours for infants 15 days to 6 months old to 8 hours for teenagers 16-17 years old when school is not in session, with mandatory 12-hour rest breaks between workdays.

• Mandates that employers deposit at least 15 percent of child performers' gross earnings into trust accounts when contracts equal or exceed $1,000, with funds inaccessible until the child reaches 18 years or becomes emancipated.

• Requires certified teachers for child performers during school hours (1 teacher per 10 or fewer children) and mandates criminal history checks on all teachers and safety trainers on set, along with parent or legal guardian supervision within eyesight and earshot at all times.

• Prohibits sexual exploitation of child performers, establishes safety requirements for dressing rooms and rest facilities, and creates procedures for wage claim disputes through the Division with authority to file complaints in court or bankruptcy proceedings.