This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to eliminate the requirement for 14 and 15-year-olds to obtain a work permit before employment. Instead, it establishes that employers wishing to hire children aged 14 or older must obtain an age certificate from the Commissioner of Labor. The bill grants the Commissioner the authority to issue these age certificates, which serve as proof of the child's age, and outlines the process for their issuance, including the requirement for a birth certificate or an attested transcript thereof.

Additionally, the bill repeals several existing provisions related to work permits and introduces penalties for individuals who issue age certificates improperly or provide false information regarding a child's age or qualifications. The enforcement of these regulations will now fall under the supervision of the State Commissioner of Labor, rather than the State Superintendent of Schools, reflecting a shift in responsibility for child labor oversight.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 21-6-5, 21-6-8, 21-6-10, 21-6-3, 21-6-4, 21-6-8a