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 introduces the possibility of classifying violations resulting in serious physical injury or death of a minor as a Class B felony or Class C felony, with the first conviction being a Class C felony and subsequent convictions classified as Class B felonies.

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 specifies that penalties collected will go to the State General Fund and clarifies that the bill will not trigger additional local funding requirements under Section 111.05 of the Alabama Constitution, as it defines new crimes or amends existing ones. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2024.

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