§ 430. Policy; definitions; rules

(a) It is the policy of Vermont that children shall be protected from employment in harmful and dangerous occupations. Toward this end, Vermont law should reflect federal protections regarding the employment of children, but should continue to provide additional protection for children in Vermont where particular circumstances warrant greater protection for children.

(b) For the purposes of this subchapter:

(1) “Child” or “children” means an individual under the age of 18 years.

(2) “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Labor or designee.

(3) “Employee” means any individual suffered or permitted to work by an employer.

(4) “Illegal child employment” means the employment of any child under the age of 18 in any work or occupation specifically prohibited by State or federal law. “Illegal child employment” does not include work performed by students as part of an educational program, provided this subchapter or federal law specifically permits this work.

(c) The Commissioner shall adopt rules to carry out the purpose and intent of this subchapter, provided the rules are consistent with federal child labor laws and rules. However, the Commissioner shall not be required to adopt or modify rules in order to conform with a change in federal child labor laws or regulations which weakens or eliminates an existing child labor protection policy. (Added 2001, No. 68, § 1; amended 2005, No. 103 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. April 5, 2006.)