As a high school student in Texas, I'm considering a part-time job but want to make sure I'm following the law. What should I know about employment laws for minors here? Any specific restrictions or required permits?
In Texas, high school students (or any minors aged 14-17) are allowed to work, but there are specific restrictions dependent on their age group to prioritize the child's well-being and ensure that they still have the opportunity to focus on their education.
Those who are aged 14-15 have certain restrictions, including the number of hours they can work each week and the times they can work during a given day. During the school year, they're allowed to work a maximum of 18 hours per week, not more than 3 hours on a school day, and between 7 am and 7 pm. In the summer (June 1 through Labor Day), these students can work up to 8 hours a day and 40 hours per week between 7 am and 9 pm.
For 16-17-year-olds, Texas' major restriction is that they cannot work during school hours. Outside of school hours, however, there are no restrictions on the number of hours they can work each week or the times of day they can work.
Texas law does not require work permits for minors, but employers must verify the age of their minor employees. An age certificate, provided by the school, will often meet this requirement.
Bear in mind that these are general rules. If you're contemplating work in specific industries like agriculture or entertainment, the child labor laws can vary significantly. Certain dangerous jobs are also off-limits to minors regardless of their age.
As always before starting work, it is advisable to sit down with your parents and perhaps a school counselor to discuss this decision and ensure it aligns with your academic and personal goals.
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