youth apprenticeship programs

Four states—Indiana, Nebraska, Washington, and West Virginia—enacted laws this year that weakened child labor protections, according to the Economic Policy Institute. Changes include lower minimum wages for teens, extended work hours in apprenticeships, and reduced employer reporting requirements. Oregon, however, strengthened protections by aligning state rules with federal labor standards.

Four states—Indiana, Nebraska, Washington, and West Virginia—enacted laws this year that weaken child labor protections, including lowering minimum wages for teens and allowing longer work hours. Oregon, conversely, strengthened its standards by aligning youth work hour rules with federal guidelines.