The bill amends Section 25-8-59 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to increase civil and criminal penalties for employers who violate child labor laws. Key changes include the insertion of new penalties, such as a civil penalty of not less than $300 for certain violations and an increase in penalties for more serious violations from $1,000 to a range of $5,000 to $10,000. Additionally, the bill specifies that employers may face a Class B or Class C misdemeanor for violations, with more severe penalties for cases involving serious physical injury or death of a minor, which could result in a Class B felony or Class C felony.

The bill also outlines the process for assessing civil penalties, including the notification of employers, their rights to contest penalties, and the procedures for hearings. It clarifies that all penalties collected will go to the State General Fund and establishes that the act will take effect on October 1, 2024. The bill is exempt from further requirements under Section 111.05 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022, as it defines a new crime or amends existing definitions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 25-8-59, 25-8-59
Engrossed: 25-8-59, 25-8-59
Enrolled: 25-8-59, 25-8-59