The bill HB568 amends several sections of the Code of Alabama 1975, focusing on the Department of Workforce and introducing significant changes to child labor laws, boiler and pressure vessel regulations, and elevator safety standards. Key provisions include an increase in fees for child labor certificates, now set at $15, and the establishment of a distribution system for penalty fees collected from violations. The bill clarifies the responsibilities of employers regarding the employment of minors aged 14 to 17, requiring them to obtain a Class I or Class II Child Labor Certificate. It also outlines civil penalties for violations, ranging from $300 to $10,000, and allows employers to contest penalties through a formal process.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing regulations for boilers, pressure vessels, and elevator safety, including the requirement for the Elevator Safety Review Board to adopt updated safety codes and standards. It changes the renewal period for licenses from biennial to annual and introduces a new emergency elevator mechanic license valid for 90 days. The bill also revises the assessment cap for insurance carriers from $5,000,000.00 to five million dollars ($5,000,000) per year and sets a specific assessment amount at $250. Notably, it deletes the requirement for all penalties collected to accrue to the State General Fund, allowing for the establishment of a separate fund for the department's operations. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 25-5-316, 25-8-45, 25-8-59, 25-12-7, 25-12-18, 25-13-6, 25-13-12, 25-13-15
Engrossed: 25-5-316, 25-8-45, 25-8-59, 25-12-7, 25-12-18, 25-13-6, 25-13-12, 25-13-15
Enrolled: 25-5-316, 25-8-45, 25-8-59, 25-12-7, 25-12-18, 25-13-6, 25-13-12, 25-13-15