OLYMPIA – Leading the nation in worker safety, Washington is pioneering more robust protections for the safety and well-being of minors in the workforce. Today, the House of Representatives voted to pass House Bill 1644, introduced by Rep. Mary Fosse (D-Everett), who is also Vice Chair of the House Labor & Workplace Standards Committee.
With more minors entering the workforce, House Bill 1644 strengthens child labor protections by addressing rising violations and increasing penalties to deter bad actors. In 2023 alone, over 750 minors reported job-related injuries, highlighting the need for stronger oversight. This bill updates outdated penalty structures, establishes minimum penalties, and prohibits employers with serious violations from hiring minors for a set period.
Recognizing inconsistencies in Washington’s child labor laws, HB 1644 ensures greater accountability by setting statutory standards for minor work permit issuance and revocation, requiring L&I site visits before granting variances, and mandating inflation-adjusted penalty increases. Importantly, the bill was developed with input from OSPI and other stakeholders to protect vocational programs and extended learning opportunities while keeping young workers safe.
By adding minor-related violations, permit revocations, and injury reports to L&I’s annual legislative report, HB 1644 enhances transparency and enforcement—ensuring that as youth employment grows, their safety remains a top priority.
“Our laws haven’t kept pace with the protections minors clearly deserve,” said Rep. Fosse. “Outdated laws and a lack of meaningful accountability for violators are putting children at risk of injury and exploitation.”
For more information about HB 1644, read the detailed article on Cascade PBS. Additionally, you can watch Rep. Fosse’s remarks on House passage:
HB 1644 awaits further consideration in the Senate.