What Are the New Restrictions on Child Labor in Illinois?

For the first time in 75 years, Illinois has fully addressed its child labor laws. Public Act 103-0721, signed by Governor JB Pritzker, is a total revamping of the child labor laws across the state. “Piecemeal” changes through the years did nothing but create conflicting provisions; this new bill essentially gutted child labor laws in the state, replacing many and making them all easier to understand.

Business laws can be complex, and as a business owner, you need to ensure your business stays up to date. If you are an employer who allows minors to work at your business, it is essential that you have a good understanding of the new child labor laws. An experienced Naperville, IL business law attorney from Gierach Law Firm can ensure you do not violate any of the new child labor laws once they take effect on January 1, 2025.   

What Are the New Illinois Child Labor Laws?

When the new laws go into effect on New Year’s Day, 2025, the following will be true:

• Minors 15 and younger may work only 18 hours per week while school is in session and 40 hours per week when school is not in session. This 18 hours per week includes no more than eight hours in any single 24-hour period, no work before seven a.m. or after seven p.m. from Labor Day until June 1, or from seven a.m. to nine p.m. from June 1 until Labor Day. When school is in session, the child may work no more than three hours per day.
• Minors who are 14 or 15 can work outside of school hours (see total hours allowed above) except at prohibited sites only after being issued a certificate authorizing such employment.
• A minor who is 13 or younger may not work in any occupation at any worksite unless there is an exemption under this act.
• While there are generally no exceptions for businesses owned by the child’s parents, children under the age of 16 can work on a family farm so long as they also live on the farm and are family members.
• This act does not prohibit children of any age from selling magazines and newspapers—i.e., a child may have a paper route.
• A minor 13 years old or older may caddy at a golf course.
• A minor shall obtain an employment certificate authorizing them to work for a specific employer.

Prohibited Workplaces for Minors

Under no circumstances can a minor work in any of the following places or industries:

• A mechanic’s garage
• Any industry where they are engaged in oiling, cleaning, or wiping of machinery
• Mines or quarries or cutting or polishing stones   
• Any type of factory work
• Any situation with explosives
• In a plant that manufactures iron, steel or in smelters, foundries, forging shops, ore reduction works, or hot rolling mills, or in the cold rolling of heavy metals
• Logging or sawmills, or in businesses where power-driven woodworking machines or circular saws are used
• Spray painting or any occupation involving exposure to lead, acids, dyes, chemicals, dust, gasses, vapors, or fumes that are known to be harmful  
• Cannabis shops
• Adult entertainment facilities
• Amusement rides and attractions
• Oil refineries
• Laundry or dry-cleaning facilities
• Any occupation with potential radioactive exposure
• Construction work
• Energy generation or transmissions
• Any job that involves slaughtering, meat packing, poultry processing, or fish and seafood processing
• Public and private utilities
• Any job that involves a firearm
• Any job that involves the handling or storage of human blood, body fluids, or tissues

Contact a Naperville, IL Business Law Attorney

Business owners who are looking for a unique approach to client service should speak to a Naperville, IL, business law attorney from Gierach Law Firm. Our attorney holds a law degree, is a certified public accountant, and has a master’s degree in management from the Executive Master’s Program at Northwestern University. As a business owner, Denice Gierach knows what other business owners need. Call 630-228-9413 today to schedule an appointment and discuss all your business needs.