New child labor law goes into effect January 1

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- With the New Year, comes new legislation.

Among the most notable new laws that will go into effect January 1st is one that will ease the restrictions on child labor across Indiana.

The Bill was originally passed in March with help from local state senator, Linda Rogers.

“This is not only going to help employers, but also teenagers who want to work,” said Rogers.

Rogers represents District 11 covering the Northern Portions of Elkhart and St. Joe County however she also wears another hat as an employer herself, which is one reason she supports the new legislation to reduce restrictions on teenage workers.

Among a number of provisions, 16- and 17-year employees will have no restrictions in place for the hours and shifts they are legally allowed to work.

However, those restrictions will remain in place for 14- and 15-year-olds to protect them.

Other notable changes that have already gone into effect from the senate bill including new reporting requirements to the Department of Labor, allowing 18-year-olds to serve alcohol, and prohibits employers from being fined for employees punching out late.