TO STRENGTHEN CHILD LABOR LAWS THROUGH THE REINSTATEMENT OF EMPLOYMENT CERTIFICATES.

HB 1731 would require children under 16 to obtain employment certificates before working, directly affecting young workers and employers in Arkansas. The certificates, issued by the Division of Labor, would require proof of age, work details, and parental consent, aiming to reduce child labor violations. The bill cites research showing states with such mandates have 15.5% lower child labor violation rates. This bill was filed in March 2025 but withdrawn by its author on April 8, 2025, and did not become law.