Texas child labor laws regulate the employment of youth in the state of Texas. These laws dictate the ages and the times as well as the types of work they may perform.

The details of Texas child labor laws are discussed below. Youth who are 14 and 15 years old may work in a broader range of jobs but are significantly limited in the number of hours per day and per week they may work, especially when school is in session.

Related Texas Topics. A child for purposes of Texas child labor laws is any individual under 18 years of age.

Unless otherwise exempt or excepted, Texas child labor laws prohibit employers from employing youth under the age of 14.

TX Code 51.003(a). Agriculture work covered by Texas child labor laws restrictions include producing crops or livestock.

producing, cultivating, growing, and harvesting any agricultural or horticultural commodity. dairying.

TX Code 51.003(v). Under Texas child labor laws, employers may employ 14 and 15-year-olds for no more than:

TX Code 51.013. Under Texas child labor laws, a child 14 years of age or older may submit an application to the Texas Workforce Commission for a certificate of age.

TX Code 51.022(a). TX Code 51.032 To obtain a certificate of age, a child must submit the following:

Code 817.5(a) A certificate of age is effective from the date it is issued until the child turns 18. Certificates do not need to be renewed, but if a certificate is lost, a new application must be submitted.

Code 817.5(b). In order to obtain a hardship waiver from the work hours limitation for youth 14 and 15-year-olds under Texas child labor laws, the child must submit an application for waiver and an application for a certificate of age at the same time.

TX Admin. Code 817.22(a)-(c) After an application has been submitted, the Texas Workforce Commission may grant or deny the application or may ask for additional information.

There is no established appeals process to challenge the Texas Workforce Commission’s decision to deny an application. TX Admin.

TX Admin. Code 817.22(d).

Hazardous occupations for 14 and 15-year-olds include all occupations designated as hazardous for 16 and 17-year-olds by the US Department of Labor in federal regulation FLSA Child Labor Laws – 16 and 17 Year Olds Texas has also adopted the federal regulation designating the occupation that may be performed by 14 and 15-year-olds, see FLSA Child Labor Laws – 14 and 15-Year-Olds.

Code 817.21. Texas has adopted the federal regulations set forth by the US Department of Labor designating the occupations 16 and 17-year-olds may or may not perform, see FLSA Child Labor Laws – 16 and 17-Year-Olds.

Code 817.23. Texas child labor laws have provisions specifically directed to youth working in sales solicitation occupations.

Under Texas child labor laws, an employer may employ a child in occupations that require operating motor vehicles for commercial purposes if: TX Code 51.015.

Sexually oriented businesses must maintain at their businesses records containing copies of valid proofs of identification for each employee and independent contractor working at their businesses. TX Code 51.016.

For more information, visit our Texas Child Labor laws – Child Actors page. Employers who violate Texas child labor laws commit a Class B misdemeanor unless they employ a child in a hazardous occupation, in which case the employer commits a Class A misdemeanor.

Criteria used to determine the amount of the administrative penalty include: TX Code 51.033.

If you have information that a child is in danger of injury on a job, call the TWC Wage and Hour Department. (Examples include: A child is asked to use a forklift, cardboard baler, or chainsaw.).

Complete the form and return by mail, fax, or email.

It is a Class B misdemeanor to violate child labor law, except for employing a child to sell or solicit, which is a Class A misdemeanor. If a person employs a child who does not meet the minimum age requirement for a type of employment but did so in good faith relying on an apparently valid Certificate of Age form, then that may be a defense against prosecution.

If an employer disagrees with TWC’s determination about the violation, the penalty, or both, they can appeal.

The Attorney General may seek injunctive relief in district court against an employer who repeatedly violates child labor law requirements. When a business is owned or operated by a parent or legal custodian, the parent or custodian may employ their own children at any age to work any hours, so long as the work is non-hazardous (not prohibited) and the child works under the parent or custodian’s direct supervision.

There are some restrictions on employment. It is illegal to employ a child under 14 except under specific circumstances described on this page.

The parent or legal custodian must submit the Application for Child Actor/Performer Authorization form. Soliciting is considered a hazardous occupation.

Under state law, but not federal law, a person may employ a child to operate a motor vehicle for a commercial purpose if the child: State law does not allow employment of an individual under the age of 21 in a sexually oriented business, requires a sexually oriented business to maintain certain photographic identification records, and provides for a criminal penalty.

For those requirements, please see the Texas Alcoholic Beverages Commission.

There are hour restrictions only for children who are 14 and 15, with separate state and federal laws that cover their work hours. All businesses must follow state law but only those businesses covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) are required to follow the federal law.

FLSA states that 14- and 15- year olds: To request that TWC approve a hardship waiver of the hour restrictions for a child age 14 or 15 because it is necessary for the child to work to support themselves or their immediate family, follow the process described in Commission Rule Section §817.22.

But not including work: A child who is 14 or 15 may not be employed in:

A child who is 16 or 17 may not be employed in the occupations listed below, except for those occupations shown with an asterisk (*), which may have apprentice or student-learner exemptions for employment: Under certain conditions, driving a motor vehicle for a commercial purpose is not considered a hazardous occupation under state or federal law.

Individuals must hold a valid Texas learner license or “instruction permit” for a minimum of 6 months or until their 18th birthday, whichever comes first. A learner license has a vertical layout and lets a new driver practice driving before obtaining a provisional license by requiring a fully licensed adult (age 21 or older) to occupy the front seat at all times when driving.

As of March 15, 2017, all new drivers under the age of 25 must complete a certified driver education course and receive a Texas Driver Education Certificate (DE-964 or DE-964E). Teen driver education programs are available at driver training schools and public high schools across the state.

Individual may start the classroom phase of driver education at 14 years old. Teens will be granted a Texas learner license once they:

Texas Learner License Checklist. To apply for a student learner license in Texas, you must do so in person at a driver license office and bring the required documents and fees.

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This second phase of the GDL Program allows teen drivers under the age of 18 to operate a vehicle without a licensed adult present, but places some restrictions on their driving privileges. Teens with a provisional license may not drive a car when there is more than one passenger in the vehicle under the age of 21 who is not a family member.

unless it is necessary for work, to attend a school-related activity or in the event of a medical emergency. Lastly, all drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using a cellphone, smartphone or any other wireless communication device (even hands-free devices), except in the event of an emergency.

Texas Provisional License Checklist. To apply for an intermediate license in Texas, you must do so in person at a driver license office and bring the required documents.

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Texas offers four different categories, or “classes,” of licenses: Most cars and trucks weigh under 5,000 lbs., so a majority of Texas drivers have a Class C license.

Texas Full License Checklist. To apply for a full Class C license in Texas, applicants must be at least 18 years old and bring the following documents to a local driver license office:

If you’re a 15-year-old looking for your first job, you’re in luck. There are plenty of places that will hire you.

This blog post lists some of the best places to work if you’re 15. So, whether you’re looking for a part-time or full-time job, read on to find out where you should apply.

To find a job that’s right for you, start by thinking about the type of work you’d like to do and the hours you’re available to work. Once you have a general idea of the type of job you’re looking for, you can start searching online and in your local community.

There are many advantages to working at age 15. For starters, you gain experience in the workforce and learn how to be responsible and independent.

You also earn money, which can help you save for college or other future expenses. And, if you work in a customer service-related job, you learn valuable people skills that can benefit any career.

Working at a young age can provide valuable experience and preparation for adulthood. You can start by searching online or visiting your local businesses to find a job.

Once you land a job, be sure to work hard and show your boss that you’re responsible and reliable. Related articles:

However, only select companies will hire you to work before the age of 16. Below are 36 different companies looking to hire 15-year-olds.

Restaurants are a great place to start if you’re looking for a job at 15 years old. They often have flexible hours, and you can learn important skills.

Find one that’s the best fit for you and apply in person or online. McDonald’s is a popular fast food restaurant that hires at the age of 15.

Be sure to bring a resume and be prepared to interview when applying for jobs. With hard work and dedication, you can succeed in your new job.

As a food service employee, they might have you slaying pizzas or busing tables. Either way, a sit-down restaurant is great for getting your foot in the door.

These are all essential traits for any future job you might have. You’ll also learn how to make an AMAZING-tasting pizza.

Working at KFC is a great way to get your first job as a teen. You’ll learn to work in a team, take orders, and serve customers.

KFC is always looking for new employees, so it’s a great place to start your career. They offer competitive pay and flexible hours so that you can work around your school schedule.

Chick-fil-A is a great place for young teens to start their working careers. They offer flexible hours, competitive pay, and a fun work environment.

So if you’re looking for a job where you can grow, Chick-fil-A is the place for you.

So if you’re interested in working at Chick-fil-A, stop by your local restaurant and fill out an application today.

If you are looking for a food prep job, Culver’s always hires young teens. Their minimum hiring age is 15, which could be a perfect fit for you.

They offer several entry-level service jobs, perfect for when just starting out. Culver’s might be for you if you like to prepare food or get into the hospitality business.

Burger King is another fast food restaurant that hires 15-year-olds, so if you ask yourself what places hire at 15, this might be your ticket. Crew members at Burger King typically do a little bit of everything.

No matter your job, you’ll be working in a fast-paced environment and learning important customer service skills. It’s definitely a great place to start if you’re looking for entry-level positions with flexible hours.

Okay, so maybe they don’t literally pay you to eat ice cream, but close enough. Working at Ben and Jerry’s allows you to work around school hours and have a pretty relaxed job.

You must be able to handle working with customers and learn how to make some of their iconic flavors. But if you think you have what it takes, swing by your local Ben and Jerry’s and fill out an application.

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it’s also a great place to learn important skills for your future. You’ll learn to work independently and jointly.

You’ll also learn about customer service and how to handle difficult situations. Domino’s is always looking to hire kids during the school week, so stop by your local store today and fill out an application.

This fast-food restaurant chain involves ice cream and lots of it. If you don’t enjoy the food preparation process, why not try playing with ice cream instead.

They offer flexible hours, competitive pay, and a fun work environment. Baskin Robbins is also a great place to learn customer service skills.

So if you’re interested in working at Baskin Robbins, stop by your local restaurant and fill out an application today.

Many grocery stores have entry-level positions in the stockroom or as a cashier. You might not earn much money, but they have a minimum wage requirement to abide by.

Publix is a grocery store chain that operates throughout the southeastern United States. They have various entry-level positions available, making it a great place to start your job search.

You could be working in the stock room, as a cashier, or even helping customers carry their groceries to their car. You could even start out greeting customers.

Kroger is another store that hires at 15, with locations across the United States. They offer entry-level positions in various departments, including the stock room, customer service, and even the bakery.

Kroger is also a great place to start if you’re interested in a career in the food industry. They offer various training programs that can help you move up the ladder.

The company offers competitive wages and a flexible schedule that can work around your school commitments. You must be at least 16 years old to apply for most positions, but some stores may hire as young as 15.

If you are looking for jobs that hire 15-year-olds, look no further. Giant Eagle’s minimum age requirement is 15.

The company offers competitive wages and a flexible schedule that can work around your school commitments. Check with your local Giant Eagle store for hiring requirements and availability.

The company offers competitive wages and a flexible schedule that can work around your school commitments. Check with your local Hy-Vee store for hiring requirements, availability, and minimum age requirement.

Example: This means that maybe Hy-Vee in west Virginia allows you to work at 14, but in South Carolina, maybe you need to be 16. If fast food restaurants aren’t your thing, you ask where I can work at age 15.