This bill aims to amend the working conditions and hours for sixteen- and seventeen-year-olds in Washington State, specifically addressing the disparities between students enrolled in bona fide college programs and those in career and technical education programs. Currently, while students in college programs can work the same hours during school weeks as they do during nonschool weeks, those in career and technical education programs do not have the same flexibility. The legislature recognizes the importance of providing equitable opportunities for all students to gain work experience relevant to their future careers.

To address this issue, the bill mandates that the Department of Labor and Industries revise existing rules to allow both groups of students to work the same number of hours during the school year as they would during school vacations or holidays. The new legal language specifies that this applies to minors enrolled in either a bona fide college program or a career and technical education program, provided the work is performed for an approved employer. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.