The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) has proposed updates to state child labor standards for agricultural and non-agricultural work, filing the Proposed Rulemaking CR-102 in response to legislation passed in 2025. Key bills include SHB 1121, allowing minors in career and technical education programs to work expanded hours; ESHB 1644, requiring safety consultations and increasing consequences for violations; and HB 1722, permitting certain licensed minors to work around bloodborne pathogens.
The proposed rules clarify existing standards, consolidate duplicate or outdated sections, and strengthen protections, including retaliation safeguards. L&I has prepared summaries of the proposed agricultural and non-agricultural child labor rules for public review.
Three public hearings are scheduled in April, with pre-hearing overviews to explain the proposals. Written comments are accepted until 5 p.m. on April 17, 2026, via email, mail, or fax. Interpretation services are available on request.
Public hearings:
- April 9 at 1:30 p.m. with the overview at 1 p.m. This hearing is in-person only and will be held in Room S117 at the L&I Tumwater building at 7273 Linderson Way SW, Tumwater.
- April 13 at 10:30 a.m. with the overview at 10 a.m. This hearing is virtual only. The meeting ID is 276 663 922 511 63 and the passcode is Bt6Kg7LR. To join by phone (audio only), call 564-999-2000. The meeting ID is 825 800 720#.
- April 14 at 10:30 a.m. with the overview at 10 a.m. This hearing is in-person only and will be held at L&I’s Union Gap office at 1205 Ahtanum Ridge Drive, Suite C, Union Gap, WA 98903.
For details on hearing dates, times, locations, and to track the rulemaking, visit L&I’s rulemaking page.
