The "Youth Hiring Act of 2023" aims to revise child labor laws in Arkansas by eliminating the requirement for children under sixteen years of age to obtain permission from the Division of Labor to be employed. The act seeks to restore decision-making authority to parents regarding their children's employment and streamline the hiring process for minors. The General Assembly recognizes that children under this age should not need an employment certificate as a condition of employment, nor should they be required to verify their age through such a certificate.

To implement these changes, the bill repeals Arkansas Code 11-6-109, which mandated that employers procure and maintain an employment certificate for children under sixteen. This previous requirement included stipulations for proof of age, work descriptions, and parental consent, all of which will no longer be necessary under the new legislation.