Recent legislative changes are reshaping how Washington employers can hire and train young workers. HB 1644, passed earlier this year, added new requirements for businesses that employ minors. While the goal is to ensure safety, some employers and programs have expressed concern that the added regulations may limit opportunities for youth to gain early work experience.
One notable impact is the closure of the Lemon Heads program in Spokane, which had given high school students the chance to work in construction while earning competitive wages. Longstanding agricultural operations, such as a Walla Walla strawberry grower, have also reported challenges in continuing youth employment opportunities due to increasing regulations and costs.
At the same time, progress has been made to expand career pathways for students. HB 1414 broadened the scope of the Career and Technical Education Task Force to identify rules that prevent students from receiving training or certification in their chosen fields. HB 1722 updated restrictions to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to gain experience in areas such as health care, firefighting, and emergency services.
Employers and policymakers alike continue to work toward a balance between safeguarding young workers and preserving valuable early job experiences.
