Mountain State Spotlight – West Virginia lawmakers are moving forward with a bill eliminating work permits for 14 and 15-year olds, despite concerns about what the change will mean for minors.
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The House of Delegates voted 83-16 Tuesday to pass HB 5159, legislation that would eliminate youth work permits. These documents currently require several layers of approval from an employer, a parent or guardian, the youth’s school, and county school officials.
Instead, if the bill becomes law, the permits would be replaced with an age certificate, a less detailed document that confirms that a minor is at least 14 before they can start working. Minors 16 and older currently use age certificates for employment in West Virginia.
