WWNR Radio – West Virginia lawmakers are weighing a proposal that would roll back several long‑standing protections for working minors, prompting concern from child‑advocacy and labor‑policy experts. House Bill 4005, which has cleared the House Government Organization Committee, would loosen state rules governing hazardous occupations and reduce oversight requirements for youth working in high‑risk environments.
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The state already operates a Youth Apprenticeship Program that allows 16‑ and 17‑year‑olds to gain workforce experience under structured safeguards. Critics say HB 4005 would move in the opposite direction by eliminating state‑defined categories of dangerous jobs and removing requirements for direct supervision when minors work around hazardous machinery.
Kelly Allen, executive director of the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy, warned that the changes could put young workers at greater risk.
