On May 9, 2025, Governor Kathy Hochul signed into law numerous provisions under the FY26 New York State Budget that, among other things, increase the civil penalties for employers that violate state child labor laws and modify existing permitting and reporting requirements for employers and minor employees. Other changes include eliminating the coverage exemption for newspaper carriers, as well as the allowance for “employment of a minor fifteen years old who is found to be incapable of profiting from further instruction available and who presents a special employment certificate[.]”
Under the New York Labor Law and existing New York State Department of Labor (“NYSDOL”) guidance, employers are subject to strict requirements when employing minors. Minor employees may not work beyond a maximum number of hours per week, depending on their age and whether school is in session. In addition, minors are limited in working at night, with specific restrictions depending on the time of year, the employee’s age, and their specific profession. Minor employees are further restricted in the types of work they can perform.
To work, minor employees are required to obtain “working papers,” which they must apply for in-person through either their school or the NYS Department of Education’s issuing offices. Employers with minor employees are also required to post a schedule of hours for all minors, including the hours they start and end as well as allotted meal...
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