The Youth Work Permit and Employment Protection Act of 2025 aims to enhance the legal framework governing the employment of minors in the District of Columbia, addressing the rise of illegal child labor practices. The bill prohibits the employment of minors under 14 years of age and sets strict regulations on working hours and conditions for those aged 14 to 17. Employers are required to post notices of regulations, obtain work permits for minors, and maintain accurate employment records. The Department of Employment Services (DOES) will oversee the issuance of work permits, record-keeping, and compliance enforcement, including penalties for violations.

Additionally, the bill introduces specific regulations for minors in special occupations, detailing permissible working hours and conditions. It establishes that minors cannot work before 7:00 a.m. or after 11:30 p.m., with age-specific time limits for work. For instance, infants under 6 months can work for a maximum of 20 minutes within a 3-hour period, while those aged 30 months to 7 years can work for up to 3 hours within a 6-hour period. The bill mandates the presence of a licensed practical nurse or pediatric nurse practitioner for every three infants under 30 months. It also allows the Department to conduct workplace investigations and inspections, requires employers to provide proof of a minor's age, and imposes administrative penalties for violations, including a maximum of $1,000 per violation and up to $10,000 for violations resulting in injury or death. The existing 1928 law regulating minor employment is repealed, and the Mayor is tasked with implementing the new provisions.